Zim gears for regional karate champs

Sports Reporter

THE Zimbabwe National Karate Federation (ZNKF) has stepped up preparations for the 2023 African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Championships by setting up a nine-member Local Organising Committee (LOC).

Zimbabwe was selected to host the AUSC Region Five Championships, scheduled for the Harare International Conference Centre from June 8 to 11.

ZNKF president Joe Rugwete is confident the country will deliver a memorable event.

The federation’s secretary-general, Tirivenyu Mutema, will chair the committee.

“The (LOC) team is made up of the following officials: Tirivenyu Mutema (chairperson); Ndabezinhle Mazibuko (secretariat); Lizzie Mupure (liaison and finance); Hugh Mandizha (logistics officer); Paul Danisa (technical officer); Martin Chimombe (security); Francis Nyika (marketing and media); Martin Dururu and Shaffine Tokoda (Sports and Recreation Commission representatives),’’ Rugwete said.

ZNKF says the team includes people with a track record of success in various fields.

For instance, black belt karateka Mazibuko is head of Karate-do Kofukan Shito Ryu in Zimbabwe.

He is also the chairperson of the Bulawayo Karate Association.

The chairperson, Mutema, is a Shotokan black belt karateka, while Chimombe is another black belt karateka.

Other team members are experts in various fields.

“The committee is representative of the community and includes people with different backgrounds, skills and perspectives.

“We have lawyers, marketers, security practitioners, Government representatives and sports administrators.

“Overall, LOC is well-organised . . . with the necessary knowledge and skills to plan and execute a successful event,” said Rugwete.

The championships, he added, will enhance athlete development and also help boost sports tourism in Zimbabwe.

“We are looking at presenting an opportunity for our athletes to compete. We are exposing them to world-class standards and improving their skills and experience.

“The tournament shall attract participants and spectators from around SADC (Southern African Development Community), which will boost local tourism and bring in revenue, in line with the National Development Strategy 1.”

Rugwete is also the vice president of the Union of African Karate Federations.