Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
SOUTHERN Africa Judo Confederation president, Smart Deke, believes the region is on the right track ahead of this year’s African union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games.
The Southern African Judo Championships, held in Zambia, doubled as the first qualifying event for the Games set for Maputo in December.
It also marked the start of a stricter system, where athletes now have to meet set standards to make the cut.
Five countries — Zimbabwe, Malawi, South Africa, Botswana and hosts Zambia —took part across the two-day meet. Deke liked what he saw.
“We have started a qualifying system towards the regional Games in Maputo this year so that we will have best competition and a well-prepared athlete.
“I rate this competition as one of the best as the Government of Zambia assisted in hosting this event, and other countries have started appreciating our regional competitions,” said Deke.
The introduction of regional championships as qualifiers is a shift in approach. It forces countries to prepare earlier and raises the level of competition before the Games themselves.
Another round of qualifiers is already lined up.“We are going to have a second round of the qualifying competition in August in Maputo. We have introduced a ranking system for the region which will help countries to prepare knowing they are ranking towards a tournament.
“We have put a system that each country sends athletes to the regional championships.They have to do a national ranking and send the results to the region for verification, and then at the regional rankings those who make the top 10 or with points they will qualify for the regional tournament.
“And for the seniors who are preparing for future tournaments like African Games, we are also ranking them,” said Deke. The Lusaka event also hosted the confederation’s annual general meeting, where Deke was retained as president.
“It means a lot as I have the task to continue building the region, we have already won best confederation twice under my leadership. That is in 2023 and 2024.Being re-elected pushes me to continue working hard to develop and strengthen judo.The vision is to improve our athletes in the region that we should see our athletes top the continental stage.”
