Kyokushinkan team shine in SA

The one-day event featured DRC, Congo Brazzaville, South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Zimbabwe was represented by three fighters — Admire Chingozhoro in the heavyweight, Brian Chiringa in the middleweight and Kudakwashe Katiyo in the lightweight category and the three managed to win gold in their respective weight divisions.
Middleweight champion, Chiringa also walked away with the most spirited fighter award and said he was impressed with his improvement after winning a silver medal in the previous edition. I am elated, it was a good experience, the tournament was very tough. We arrived on the day of the tournament and our muscles were stiff but we had to adapt quickly. To a greater extent this affected us because we did not have enough rest,” said Chiringa.
Chiringa said the tournament was a platform for them to showcase their talent. His team-mate, Katiyo said the event was a learning curve as it was his first appearance in a tournament of such magnitude.
“I gained a lot of experience. The fighters we were competing against were very good. My first fight was the most tough but I managed to pull through. I had prepared for this tournament. I learnt new skills because the way they fight is different from ours and I am happy,” said Katiyo.
The team arrived back home on Tuesday. Meanwhile the Zimbabwe Karate Union stepped up their preparations for the African Championships scheduled for Rabat, Morocco when the team converged at Alexandra Sports Club for training over the weekend under the guidance of national technical director, Paul Danisa.
The national association took advantage of the Heroes’ holiday to intensify their preparations for the championships set for September 2.
ZKU president, Joe Rugwete said they are expecting to send a 12-member team for the championships.