Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE So-Kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation technical director Kumbirai Musinami has described their selection tournament held over the weekend as a success with most of the top karatekas living up to expectations.
The tournament was open to all full contact styles, and it attracted participants from Malawi and South Africa.
However, with the Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation using the event to select a team to compete in international events, mainly next year’s World Championships in Japan, local fighters rose to the occasion to try and secure slots for the big stage.
“A total of 220 athletes participated in the just-ended Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Selection.
“The competition was high, with athletes showing a high-level of preparedness and a hunger to compete. That was very brilliant, and it made the event very exciting,” said Musinami.
Robert Mashingaidze was the biggest winner, claiming the Senior Men’s Open title when defeating Arnold Kashiri, who also had a good day on the tatami going all the way to the final.
However, the day belonged to seasoned karateka Mashingaidze.
“I am happy I won. And my instructors, the supporters, are happy. These are people who are passionate about the sport, so I am happy.
“My toughest match was the semi-final, but I managed to pull through. I reserved my energy to go all the way from the first round . . . And I can say the semi-final was more of a final because it was tough.
“This victory is a motivation to train hard because if I am going to represent the country on the international stage, it’s not going to be easy.
“You meet different fighters, from different countries, you don’t know how they train, so I have to work hard,” said Mashingaidze.
On his way to the final, Mashingaidze beat Simbarashe Khumba, while Kashiri defeated Donnie Kadohwata.
Tsitsi Muranda won the women’s category when defeating Antonella Zimbodza.
South Africa’s Vunene Baloyi placed third.
Tafadzwa Mutize emerged tops against Samson Sairi in the Senior Men’s Lightweight division.
Musinami said those who topped their categories automatically make the team.
“Yes, this was a selection tournament, and those who topped the category have made the team, as well as those who displayed technical brilliance and high levels of fighting spirit are making it into the team
“We are looking at a total of 30 of the best athletes across the categories for the world tournament, while for our international and regional events, the best 50 will be selected into the squad going forward,” Musinami said.
The two-day selection tournament also featured juniors with young fighters from Under-11 years taking part.
Munenyasha Chitsungo was crowned champion in the girls’ Under-11 while Taropafadzwa Njerere won the boys’ title.
The Under-13 age group featured boys only, with Prosper Mutinhiri winning the final against Gabriel Shambare.
Blessing Musimbirachako and Holy Muganhiri won the Under-15 boys and girls category respectively.
Ashwin Mufundisi and Alicia Mufundisi dominated the Under-17 age-group, with the former taking the boys’ title while the latter was crowned winner in the girls’ section.
The Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation technical director said: “Going forward, we are focusing on preparations for the world tournament for the selected athletes through training and participation in regional and international events in the build-up to the participation in the world tournament.
“So, it’s going to be a high-paced and tight schedule.”
The World Championships will take place next year in October.
