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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
FORMER world karate champion Samson Muripo is hoping to stage an international competition in the country before he calls it quits. Muripo came fourth in the just-ended Second So-Kyokushin International Karate Ohishi Cup middleweight category in Iran while his teammate Admire Chingozhoro scooped the open weight category title.
Muripo made waves in 2009 when he became the first African fighter to win a world title.
He claimed gold in the middleweight category during the first International Karate Organisation Kyokushinkaikan tournament in Japan.
“What I am doing is preparing for my exit, but I still have three years of participation in active competition,” he told The Herald.
“So, what I am doing is building international relations so that when I retire I become a good leader. I would like to host a world event if God gives me life.
“My aim, especially for this trip and the other ones, is to create international relations. If we are to host international events we should participate in these tournaments.”
Muripo said there were a lot of challenges before he left for the Iran event and feels he could have done better.
“The tournament was quite tough especially being in the Middle East, it’s quite hot there, but I am happy with the results.
“What happened is I had a lot of things to do before going to Iran. I lost my brother-in-law, I had an accident at Sam Levy Village so there was a lot of pressure and I lost eight kilogrammes before the All-Africa tournament.
“I didn’t have energy and I realised that I was getting tired the moment we entered Iran.
“Normally, if things are well for me there is no terrain tougher than my ability,” Muripo said.
The former world champion saluted Chingozhoro for his achievement.
“He has a good mentality. And for him this is not the end of the road, it should be a springboard for bigger things to come. One of my senpais says Zimbabwe is pregnant with champions.
“I urge the Government not to ignore talent in karate or any other sport. They should try to support that talent.
“We can’t blame anyone at the moment, but when things get better Zimbabwe is going to be number one.
“And because of these achievements we are going to bring the vice president of So-Kyokushin in July 2017.
“We are hoping to host our first international tournament after Shihan Jiyuu Shibata made a good report on the All-Africa tournament.
“So he is coming again next year to assess our progress,” said Muripo.
Muripo said they are looking forward to hosting the second All-Africa So-Kyokushin tournament in July.
Besides competing, Muripo also assists some of the karatekas who represent the nation in various competitions.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter