Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation president, Joe Rugwete, says the recent performances in Angola, is key in laying a solid foundation for the African union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games.
The AUSC Region 5 last year announced the introduction of qualifying standards to the regional Youth Games, starting with this year’s edition as they continue to push for excellence.
The Games will be held in Maputo, Mozambique, with 12 sport codes on the programme, including karate.
Local upcoming karatekas registered encouraging results during both competitions, with the latest being the AUSC Region 5 Karate Championships staged in Angola.
“It means a great deal. The introduction of qualifying standards for the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games represents a significant shift in how regional multi-sport games select their athletes.
“It moves us from a system of nomination to one of merit, which is a development the ZNKF fully supports.
“Our medal results from Luanda serve as a strong indicator of where Zimbabwe sits competitively across the youth and junior categories.
“Athletes like Makanaka Mulopa, Shayne Manyathela, Georgina Mhondera, and Trinity Kotsi, among others, have demonstrated that they can compete and win at the highest level this region has to offer.
“That is precisely the standard required when qualifying benchmarks are in place,” said Rugwete.
He added: “This performance gives us a very solid foundation from which to approach the Youth Games preparations.
“And, it puts our selectors in a position of having genuine, proven talent to consider.
“The AUSC Region 5 Karate Championships is the premier annual karate event of the region and carries significant weight in terms of athlete ranking and standing at regional level.
“Results from this championship inform the technical assessment of athletes across member nations and are a key reference point for selection and qualification discussions ahead of the Region 5 Youth Games.
“While the formal qualification criteria for the Youth Games are determined by the AUSC Region 5 Games Committee in conjunction with the respective sport technical committees, performance at an event of this stature is never inconsequential.”
Before they head to Mozambique for the Youth Games, the ZNKF are hoping to have some of the youngsters participating at the African Karate Championships in Algeria.
National coach, Winston Nyanhete, who led a team of 11 for the regional event, would want to have more athletes in Algeria to broaden their pool of athletes.
“We are appealing for funding as we now look towards the African Karate Championships in Algeria in September,” said Nyanhete.
