Muripo, Muhambi leave for Japan

Great Britain, Australia, South Africa, Azerbaijan, Korea and hosts Japan.
Muripo and Muhambi will have to prove their skills in a draw of 111 karatekas and they both received byes in the first round matches.
Zimbabwe Karate Union technical director for full contact styles, Tendayi Mutikani, said they are expecting gold from the two fighters.
“I think the preparations went well and the guys are fit. They are actually better prepared than the last time when they won. We are expecting gold from them,” said Mutikani.
Mutikani said the draw also favoured the two as they will meet most of the Russians who are regarded as the powerhouse in the late stages.
“They were lucky to get byes in the first round so it’s good because they will avoid the Russians and injuries in the early stages.
“Back in the days we knew Japan as the powerhouse but now Russia are strong, they have invested in karate and they have improved a lot. We are not afraid of Japanese but the Russians,” said Mutikani.
Speaking after the draw was released last Friday, Muripo said they were ready to battle it out with the world’s best.
“The time to change the whole world is fast approaching. We are determined, we are well psyched mentally for the tournament. We have been just doing light training.  We are going to do our best as always,” said Muripo.
Some of the karatekas set to compete include defending champions Takuma Koketsu from Japan and last year’s winner in the lightweight category, Jonathan Tineo of Spain.
Muripo and Muhambi are both experienced fighters who have competed on the international stage several times.
In 2009 Muripo won the world title in the middleweight division to become the country’s first black world champion. His teammate, Muhambi in 2009 made it into the top 10 at the world championships held in Budapest, Hungary, where he finished in eighth place.