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Takudzwa Chitsiga
Sports Reporter
KWEKWE Invitational Karate tournament defending champion in the girls Under-21 category Tadiwa Mbewe is confident of doing well at the tournament which will take place in the Midlands town tomorrow.
The tournament, dubbed “Best of the Best,” is hosted by Sensei Shepherd Ziwira, who is the Japan Karate Association of Zimbabwe chief instructor and Midlands Karate Union technical director.
Several athletes from across the country are expected to grace the event, which is also used to select the country’s representatives for international competitions.
Top karateka are expected to battle it out in the senior men’s, junior boys’ and junior girls’ categories.
Mbewe believes she has done extremely well despite joining the sport less than two years ago. “I think I am more than ready for the Saturday tournament. As the defending champion it will not be easy as everyone will be targeting me but I am well prepared.
“I have been training ever since I took part in the nationals at the Region 5 Games in Harare where I managed to win a medal.
“I am grateful to my coaches who have been supportive as they have faith in me. My coaches always encouraged me that I had so much potential and all I wanted was to work hard,” said Mbewe.
The teenager said it took some courage for her to take up the sport and now she has the support of everyone including her parents who at first were hesitant that she may get hurt.
“At first it was difficult but after I brought home a medal everyone including my family started to rally behind me.
“There is no sport for men and for karate it has received so much support from girls and women which is a positive move. There is a need to support the girl child and I know there will be so much competition with the number of athletes increasing every day,” said Mbewe.
Online Reporter