admin
Ellina Mhlanga-Senior Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation coach Winston Nyanhete believes their team’s performance at the just-ended African Union Sports Council Region Five Karate Championships gives them an idea of what they need to work on going forward.
The regional tournament which ended on Sunday was staged at the City Sports Centre with seven countries taking part.
The competition began on Friday.
Zimbabwe finished on position three with 40 medals — 5 gold, 10 silver and 25 bronze.
South Africa emerged tops with 149 medals — 56 gold, 37 silver and 56 bronze. They were followed by Botswana with 47 medals.
“The overall team performance was very good. As the coach I am happy with the team’s performance. Most of the athletes, especially in the children’s divisions, it was their first time but they put on a good performance.
“This was a high level competition. Every country including Zimbabwe brought their very best to this event. To be placed third in the region is good because it gives us an idea of what we need to work on more to place higher on the medals next time.
“Given the circumstances, for example finances required to properly prepare for this event, the team did great. We had athletes coming from all over the country and most of them with very little exposure to this level of competition. They performed well,” said Nyanhete.
Zimbabwe had more than 100 athletes competing with most of their athletes in the children’s category and juniors competing for the first time at the regional event.
They also had some seniors posting some encouraging performances. Hazel Chirima got two medals — a gold medal in the senior women kata and silver in the senior women kumite (35 to 50 years-old).
Ashley Khuddu won gold in the senior women +68kg weight division.
“It feels great. I am super excited because it’s a big tournament. Winning such a tournament for me is a big deal and honestly. I would like to acknowledge the people who supported me through it. My mentors, my pastors, my dad, my friends, they all have been encouraging.
“So I am really appreciative of that.
“It’s amazing honestly. It feels like Southern Africa just came together as one big family and we were just having fun. So I am really excited because different countries came to participate and each brought their best. It was very competitive but fun at the same time,” Khuddu.
Tanyaradzwa Ziwira also weighed in with another gold medal in the junior section after winning the male Under-21 kumite.
He attributed his success to hard work.
“The event was very tough and I worked hard for it. I was training so much, so that I would win this tournament. This was my wish, so I am very happy to have won.
“It’s my fourth time competing (in the Region Five) and first time to win. I am very happy and I am so proud of myself and my coach, my father Shepherd Ziwira,” said Ziwira. Namibia and Zambia were fourth and fifth respectively. Angola finished sixth and Mozambique were placed seventh.
Online Reporter