adminLungelo Ndhlovu Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S judo coach Simbarashe Mashayi has lauded the exposure that his team got at the sixth edition of the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games, which ended yesterday.
The Zimbabwean team mainly consisted of new players who never participated at any regional competition and managed to bag seven medals.
“We learnt a lot of lessons from these Games. Our team attained exposure and I hope they’ll definitely know how to handle any judoka competitor as they were subjected to quality officiating. I’m hoping our Zimbabwean team will do their best at the next Region 5 Youth Games in Angola, in two years to come,” said Mashayi.
First timer judoka and silver medallist Leanne Tarya was very pleased with her performance during the competition despite failing to attain gold.
“Competition was very tough as a first timer but I managed to come up with silver. I’m very excited because it shows that I still have the room to improve my game,” said Tarya.
Judo team manager Miriam Moyo said there is need to spread the sporting event to schools throughout the country.
“The way forward for judo is to spread it to secondary schools and clubs so that at least we’ve more of the juniors coming in. What we have now is the first junior club and their age group ranges between 17 and 19,” said Moyo.
She also said she is pleased with the two judo coaches who have international accolades, as Mashayi holds a black belt, third don.
Judo (women): Nonkosi Dingani, Melissa Makuwe, Leanne Tarya, Ropofadzo Ranganayi, Ruvarashe Matsvayi, Prudence Chikaka, Chelsea Dube, Sheron Mangoni.
Online Reporter