Karate tourney begins today

Union of Zimbabwe seniors tournament set for today.
The tournament is the second part of the competition held last week in Budiriro and will feature senior karatekas only after the juniors completed their events last weekend.
Participants from Chitungwiza, Domboshava, Chegutu, Mutare and Harare will battle it out in the lightweight and open weight category.
KUZ technical director, Samson Muripo, said they were looking forward to a competitive event after hosting a successful tournament for the juniors.
“Over 48 fighters will be taking part and from the standard set by the juniors last week, tomorrow we are going to witness an outstanding competition.
“From the local fighters we have got a lot of talent, its more or less like a regional competition in Zimbabwe,” said Muripo.
Austin Mucheni and Tendai Chaparadza, who are part of the World Cup team to represent the nation in Kazakhstan, will battle it out in the lightweight category and Muripo said it is going to assist them as they step up their preparations for the international competition.
However, the rest of the team is expected to compete in the Southern Africa Kyokushin Union Tournament scheduled for next month in South Africa.
“We are going to use the competition to assess our preparations for the World Cup. So far the fighters are doing well although we have some hiccups because of financial support.
“In terms of fitness level they are okay,” said Muripo.
Chaparadza said he expects a tough competition today but is ready to take up the challenge.
“Tomorrow’s (today) competition is going to be a little bit challenging because everyone has been preparing and they will be hoping to win.
“But as someone who has been into karate for sometime I think I will manage to achieve what I want, I have got the experience and talent,” said Chaparadza.
The 17-year-old said he is taking advantage of the tournament to assess his progress as he prepares for the World Cup.
“After this competition I will know what I have to do in terms of my preparations and the areas I need to work on,” said Chaparadza.
His teammate, Mucheni, said he was ready.
“This is going to help me with my preparations. I last participated in a competitive competition last year in October.
“Everybody has been training and I have to look forward to the challenge, everyone is expecting to win,” said Mucheni.
Other fighters that will compete include David Mnaba, Clemence Kamupila and Knowledge Katiyo.