Collin Matiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FOR Ebenezer Ronald Parsell, who is set to compete in tomorrow’s Japanese Ambassador’s Cup at the Performance Hub in Groombridge, Harare, judo has become more than a sport.
It has become a way to carry forward a dream his family and instructor believe he can achieve.
At just nine years old, Parsell’s journey into judo began as a simple holiday activity under the guidance of his instructor, Sensei Archbezel “Archie” Mutero, at Fudoshin Judo Academy in Harare.
What started as a pastime quickly revealed an exceptional natural talent.
Sensei Mutero discovered his potential, nurtured it, and has since been dedicated to developing him into a complete judoka.
Despite being only nine years old and relatively new to the sport, Parsell’s rise has been remarkable:
After just a couple of months of training, he entered his first national judo competition in Zimbabwe and won a gold medal, earning him a place on the National Under-12 Team (36kg category)
He then challenged himself in a bigger division, moving up to the 38kg pool, where he secured a silver medal against older, bigger opponents
After less than one year of training, he represented Zimbabwe at the South African Schools Championships 2026 — a prestigious International Judo Federation (IJF) recognised competition. He won a gold medal and proudly raised the Zimbabwean flag high on the international stage. His team brought home a total of 43 medals for Zimbabwe. He was awarded a certificate of outstanding performance for the SA Tour competition
What does the future hold for him in judo?
The future is exceptionally bright for this nine-year-old prodigy.
Parsell is seen as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising young prospects. As he approaches cadet age, the focus is on preparing him for more high-level international competitions.
His dream is to become a World and Olympic Champion.
He is in the best hands, training under Sensei “Archie”, a former National Judo Champion with international competition experience and over 15 years of professional judo coaching.
Sensei Mutero is fully committed to nurturing, developing, and guiding young Parsell to bring out the very best in him.
From a holiday hobby to national team member and international gold medalist in under one year, nine-year-old Ebenezer Ronald Parsell is a name to watch.
With discipline, talent, and expert mentorship at Fudoshin Judo Academy, he is on a clear path to becoming one of Zimbabwe’s next international judo champions.
