Kuz step up Championship preps

feature participants from different countries in the region.
KUZ are hoping to send a 10-member team for the tournament and have begun their preparations at Raylton Sports Club under the guidance of Kumbirai Musinami.
KUZ technical director, Samson Muripo, said they were not taking any chances and preparations were already underway.
“We are training twice a week as a squad for our preparations,” said Muripo.
“We should send a delegation of 15, including five officials. We have more than 10 fighters in camp but they will be trimmed down to 10 on the basis of their performance. We are also looking for the promising fighters.”
He said they are also working with the Zimbabwe Karate Union technical director responsible for full contact style, Tendai Mutikani.
“The technical director was appointed this year and he is supposed to monitor all the national teams.
“If we have more instructors with different approach we will have different tactics, so if we fuse them it will work,” said Muripo.
Muripo said he is expecting to compete in the championships as part of his preparations for the World Championships on November 28 in Japan.
“I am hoping to go to South Africa after which I will compete in a world tournament in Canada.
“I am supposed to fight in Canada on June 9. I want to use the two events to assess myself ahead of the World Championships and see if I am fit enough to take part in the event.
“I know the space of time between the two events is too short but I have done it before and if there are no complications with the visa issue I will take part in the two competitions.
“However, we are appealing to the corporate world for sponsorship because our usual sponsors have promised to cater for the World event in November,” said Muripo.
Last year Zimbabwe sent three fighters for the Southern Africa Kyoukushin Union Karate Championships and will be hoping for better results in the forthcoming tournament.
Squad: Austin Mucheni, Malvery Muyambo, Tendai  Chaparadza, Lovemore  Nyamutswa, Shadreck Kwasha, Kelly Mtisi, Clemence Kampila, Samson Muripo, Powell Mupindu, Panashe Bodzo, Shingai Murimi, George Mutambu.