Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE’S judokas returned from the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup in Lusaka, Zambia, with nine medals after an encouraging showing at the two-day tournament over the weekend.
The 14-member team, which included athletes from Tongogara Refugee Camp, won one gold, four silver and four bronze at the competition organised by the Zambia Judo Association.
Sandile Ndlovu led the way with gold in the cadet boys’ -66kg category.
Judo Association of Zimbabwe president Moses Mutende hailed the team’s performance against strong opposition.
“We travelled to Zambia with a delegation of 14 athletes, representing Zimbabwe with great pride.
“The level of competition was very high and of an elite standard.
“Competing against strong and experienced judokas provided our athletes with invaluable exposure and an opportunity to measure themselves against quality international opposition.
“As president of the Judo Association of Zimbabwe, I am extremely proud of the team’s performance,” said Mutende.
“What impressed me most was not only the results, but the discipline, determination, resilience and unity displayed by the athletes.
“The level of support they gave one another throughout the competition was exceptional and reflects the team culture we are working to build within Zimbabwean judo.” Youth Olympic Games-bound Makanaka Nherera also impressed, settling for silver in the cadet girls’ +70kg category on Saturday.
For Nherera, the tournament was also an opportunity to gauge her progress ahead of the Youth Olympic Games.
She had spent several days training in Zambia with her coach Lazarus Arufandika before the competition.
They worked with Zambian coaches and the country’s Under-20 team before rounding off the programme with participation in the Japanese Ambassador’s Cup.
Sasha Chamhuma, Pascal Rehema and Kabanga Kabongo also won silver medals.
Chamhuma competed in the cadet girls’ -44kg category, Rehema in the pre-cadet girls’ -57kg division, while Kabongo contested the cadet boys’ -66kg category.
The bronze medals came from Matipaishe Dambo in the pre-cadet boys’ -38kg, Prince Le Fila Batomene in the cadet boys’ -42kg, and Precious Tapomwa in the cadet girls’ -70kg. Brian Chiminya also claimed bronze in the senior men’s -73kg category.
With the Zambia tournament completed, the local judokas now turn their attention to the JAZ Japanese Ambassador’s Cup scheduled for October 10 in Harare.
