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Ralston Muchoko
ITAI SANGO and his Mozambican teammates are expected to add some foreign flair to next weekend’s Zimbabwe Open Taekwondo Championships.
The event, set for Gweru on Saturday, is expected to attract over 150 participants with Zimbabwean-born Sango, who fights under the Mozambican banner, being the main attraction.
“Fireworks are expected from this tournament”, said Admire Tshitshiliza, the organisers’ spokesperson. “Obviously, we can’t hope to match last year’s event in Harare because it was well funded under the Korean Ambassador’s Cup.
“However, we have tried to compensate by bringing a very competitive field of fighters. This will be the first event of the season and all the local fighters are raring to go.”
In the flyweight category, Raphael Mabwela goes in as favourite and will be hoping to improve on his semi-final finish in last years’ event.
Louis Mataya from Manyame Airbase is heavily tipped to return his title in the bantamweight category.
Standing in Mataya’s way will be the likes of Vusumuzi Ncube from Bulawayo, and the Midlands quartet of Arnold Muleya, Weaver Sibanda, Mongaeli Nyathi and Simba Gotora.
In the women’s category, reigning national champion Brenda Chaora, also from Manyame, leads a cast that includes Samantha Chizengwe from Marondera and Maidei Chibunde from Kwekwe.
Online Reporter