adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE So-Kyokushin Karate technical director Kumbirai Musinami says local fighters to compete in the inaugural All-Africa So-Kyokushin tournament scheduled for Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex this weekend should brace up for a tough competition.
The event is being hosted by Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate and is expected to feature karatekas from Malawi, Swaziland and South Africa.
The one-day event slated for Saturday will see participants competing in different weight divisions in the juniors, senior women and men.
Musinami said they expect karatekas from the participating countries to start coming in today.
“The competition is going to be tough because some of the fighters have attended world tournaments and their coaches are international coaches
“South Africa should start coming in tomorrow and Friday, their accommodation is ready. We have spoken to them, everything is okay.
“They have a team of 65 while Swaziland have got 16 fighters. We also have fighters coming from Malawi, I have not confirmed the figures yet but they are bringing about six or seven fighters.
“These are the countries that have full contact up and running, so it’s quite a huge tournament. On the draws that are ready for the different categories so far we have a register of 253 fighters.
“Our athletes have been in camp and are raring to go.
Shihan Jiyuu Shibata is already here, we trained with him yesterday and we will train with him this evening as part of our preparations.
We are expecting Shihan Bas van Stenis on Friday,” said Musinami.
Online Reporter