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Ellina Mhlanga
Senior Sports Reporter
SEASONED karateka Samson Muripo has revealed the 2nd So-Kyokushin World Karate tournament due to take place later in the year in Shizuoka, Japan will be his last fight as he will be retiring from the sport.
The tournament is scheduled for November 25 and 26 and participants will compete in kata and kumite. The Zimbabwe Karate Union is set to field 15 fighters from different full contact styles and Muripo is part of the team.
The renowned karateka made waves in 2009 when he became the first African to win a world title and he has over the years won several international competitions. He revealed the forthcoming event is going to be his last.
“I am going for my retirement fight, and I will be determined to leave an everlasting mark as always the case, God willing.
“I am retiring from fighting, thereafter I will be concentrating on the development of the organisation, especially at grassroots level, talent scouting (here) as well as regional So-Kyokushin karate development.
“I am considering my age. I am now 45 and I am also going for a belt promotion from fifth dan to sixth dan. So at that level I can no longer compete but can venture into other areas, I can be a judge, inspector of events,” said Muripo.
Muripo’s last international event was in 2019 when he won gold at the Kyokushin Karate World Cup in Moscow, Russia. It was the second time he was crowned a world champion at the tournament, having won the same event in 2009.
After that event, he was scheduled to compete at the Second So-kyokushin World Karate tournament in 2020 but it was moved to this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
And is now set to take place this November.
The renowned karateka is confident despite a four-year break from competition.
“The event, the Second So-Kyokushin World Karate Tournament in Shizuoka City, Japan, was supposed to have been held in November 2020 but because of Covid-19 pandemic and Travel restrictions, it was postponed to November 25th – 27th, 2023.
“Kyokushin karate is in my DNA and I love it, and it flows instinctively. I feel proud flying the Zimbabwean flag high and with sponsorship, we will represent with a distinction.
“We have never stopped preparing because Kyokushin Karate training is a way of life,” Muripo. However, emphasised the need for proper preparations and urged his teammates to give their all in preparing for the event.
“Our preparations, supplements mobilisation and supply for nutrition support, will definitely determine the results beforehand.
Team
Brian Sabeta, Lewis Marowero, Simbarashe Khumba, Vanessa Kamusoso, Tatenda Kambarami, Florry Chandavengerwa, Elizabeth Muguma, George Mucheni, Tangayi Mhlanga, Mind Mbozhi, Samson Muripo, Likhwa Khumalo, Admire Chingozhoro, George Mutambu, Tsitsi Muranda.
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