Online ReporterEllina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUDO Association of Zimbabwe will have a chance to gauge some of its athletes earmarked for the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games when they take part in the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup in Zambia this weekend.
The event, hosted by the Zambia Judo Association, is slated for Saturday and Sunday in Lusaka.
JAZ president Moses Mutende confirmed that 14 judokas are set to compete at the event, including some of those expected to make the team for the AUSC Region 5 Games in December. JAZ members have previously participated in the event.
“We are also preparing to go to the Region 5 Games in December, so this time it’s a bit different. We have selected a number of young participants that we have earmarked for the upcoming Region 5 Games.
“Their results from Zambia are important for us since we are preparing for the Region 5 Games.
“We also have athletes coming from Tongogara Refugee Camp, and the rest of the team is coming from different clubs,” said Mutende.
The spotlight will be on the likes of Makanaka Nherera, who is bracing for the Youth Olympic Games.
She is already in Zambia with coach Lazarus Arufandika for a training camp that will conclude with her participation in the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup.
“Makanaka has already left. She has a different programme from the rest of the team. She is attending a training camp that will conclude with her participation in this tournament, which we are also attending.
“Her programme is being funded by the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee,” he said.
