Matsika scoops hat-trick

one-day tournament catered for karatekas below the age of 18 and they competed in the Under-20kg, Under-25kg, Under-35kg, Under-45kg, Under-55kg and Under-65kg.
Matsika dominated the event as he walked away with a gold medal in the Under-55kg after beating Marshall Siyamatanda. He went on to defeat Samuel Tambaoga in the Under-65kg to scoop his second gold medal.
The 15-year-old was then voted the best technical fighter of the tournament and for his efforts he walked away with a certificate.
In the Under-45kg the title went to Shelvin Mugoni, who beat Paul Mtizwa in the final while Shelton Mugoni overpowered Kudakwashe Mashizha to be crowned champion in the Under-35kg category.
Nigel Marungani was the best in the Under-25kg division and Jean Mufundisi won the Under-20kg category when he beat Tanatswa Charandura. The most spirited fighter medal went to Hope Simba.
Tournament co-ordinator, Muchineripi Tarwireyi, said although the turnout was not to the levels they had expected, there was some quality competition when compared to the previous tournament held in January.
“We had 92 fighters from Chegutu, Kadoma, Domboshawa, Chitungwiza and Harare.
“The turnout of the participants was not as I thought it would be, we were expecting more participants for this tournament but most of them went for the holidays.
“However, there was an improvement on the level of competition. It was much better than the first one,” said Tarwireyi. Tarwireyi applauded Matsika and Siyamatanda for putting up a good show during the tournament and said they will be joining the senior team that will be going to South Africa next month.
“Tinashe Matsika and Marshall Siyamatanda are much senior now and they will be going to South Africa with the senior team.
“We want to groom them so that when they become older they will be world champions.”