Online ReporterEllina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
RIDING high after her stunning triumph at the 1st Kyokushin Kenbukaikan World Championship in Zambia, Zimbabwe’s top female karateka, Tatenda Kambarami, is gunning for another strong performance when she takes to the mat at this weekend’s Japanese Ambassador Cup.
The annual event, hosted by the Zimbabwe Karate union (ZKU) in partnership with the Japanese Embassy, will take place on Saturday at the Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex.
Kambarami, who dominated the Women’s Open category in Lusaka, said her focus remains sharp despite her recent victory.
“I continued training after the tournament in Zambia. I never stopped because I want to continue raising the bar, continue rising and inspire other women,” she said. “As I prepare to participate in the Japanese Ambassador Cup, it will be more of sparring for me. I am not letting the victory in Zambia get into my head, and going into Saturday’s tournament I am aiming for a win. I just want to remain humble, focused, and continue competing in more tournaments and motivate women out there.”
The competition will feature a wide range of categories, from the Under-25kg division for children to the Open section for adults.
ZKU president Tawanda Mufundisi said the event promises fierce contests as it marks one of the final tournaments of the year.
“Usually, when we have these final events for the year, athletes are geared because they have been to different tournaments and are at the top of their game,” said Mufundisi.
“We are looking mostly at the guys that went to the world tournament.
“The good part of this generation is that they still want to participate in every event we hold, which is good. We are going to have the best fighting again on Saturday.” He also revealed that participation across the union’s structures has been encouraging. “Almost every member of the general assembly, meaning the heads of the different organisations (styles) affiliated to ZKU, have confirmed their participation.
“But we also have our good friends, who are non-affiliates like kung-fu and taekwondo, who approached us saying they want to take part in some of our events. We are expecting them to attend also,” said Mufundisi.
