adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
KYOKUSHIN Union of Zimbabwe technical director, Kumbirai Musinami, says it is important for Zimbabwe to compete in the So-Kyokushin Cup International tournament on Saturday to maintain the country’s ranking among the world’s best karate nations.
The one-day event is slated for Shanghai, China.
The KUZ are hoping to send five fighters, including Samson Muripo, who is expected to leave for China today.
George Mutambu (heavyweight), Naison Chituwa and Likhwa Khumalo (lightweight) and Austin Mucheni (open weight) got their visas yesterday but still need sponsorship for the airfares. Musinami said preparations for the tournament have been going on well and they were ready to compete with the world’s best in China.
“We are still hopeful for the China trip but finances are our biggest challenge now, we need money for air fares for some of the guys. The boys are ready for the tournament, they are raring to go.
“Actually, our guys have been ready for a while, Samson came third in Bulgaria and that was part of our preparations. The chances of us picking medals are high. So far we have raised enough money for two people but we want the whole team to go. We need money for food, the organisers have organised accommodation for the duration of the tournament but we need money for upkeep and travel. “We intended to leave tomorrow (today), it will be best for the fighters because they need time, one or two days to acclimatise. We might move the trip to Thursday but it will put the guys under pressure,” said Musinami.
Online Reporter