Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
RISING karateka Tsitsi Muranda believes there is more to come following an impressive showing at the African Full Contact Karate Organisation Annual tournament on Saturday at the Vosloorus Civic Centre in South Africa.
Muranda trains under the Zimbabwe So-kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation together with Florry Chandavengerwa, and were part of participants that gathered in South Africa for this year’s edition of the tournament.
Muranda was crowned champion in the women Under-55kg division after winning all her fights. The 18-year-old was making her debut at the tournament, and admits it was not a walk in the park.
“l was feeling very excited to be part of the tournament.
“l fought with three opponents and the competition was not easy but l managed to win.
“The title means a lot to me because it makes me believe that l can raise the Zimbabwe flag
“l leant some fighting skills and my plan is to become a world champion in the future,” said Muranda.
Chandavengerwa also put up a spirited fight to reach the final in the women Open division. She, however, lost and walked away with a silver. Despite missing out on the title, Chandavengerwa feels the competition was the platform she needed to measure herself against other top karatekas.
“The competition was tough but well-organised. The AFCKO tournament was a great test of skill and composure . . . I got silver but I wanted gold.
“I am happy with how I executed under pressure. There are moments I could have been sharper, and a few mistakes to fix,” said Chandavengerwa.
The result for her is an encouragement to keep working hard and is hoping to build on her performance as she prepares for other upcoming tournaments including local competitions.
“It means the hard work in the dojo is paying off.
“I am going back to train hard, review the fights, fix the small errors, stay focused and keep improving, preparing for the next tournament that Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation will host,” Chandavengerwa said.
The two fighters were accompanied by Zimbabwe So-kyokushin Karate-Do Organisation branch chief Samson Muripo.
“I am extremely proud of the ladies’ performance. They displayed courage, discipline, determination, and a strong fighting spirit throughout the tournament.
“Most importantly, they represented Zimbabwe with dignity and professionalism.
“Their commitment to training and their willingness to compete against high-level opponents show that the future of Zimbabwean karate is very bright,” said Muripo.
Muripo noted that such achievements show that with support, the sport can continue to grow in the country.
“They have represented Zimbabwe with honour, inspired other young athletes, and demonstrated that with proper preparation, parental support, community backing, and sponsorship, Zimbabwean karate can continue to grow and compete successfully at the highest levels, both regionally and internationally.”
Besides the medals, Muripo a former world champion himself, believes the tournament provided some key lessons to the upcoming fighters.
“One of the biggest lessons from this tournament is that preparation is key. Success does not happen by chance. It comes from disciplined training, proper planning, consistency, and mental readiness.
“The athletes also learnt the importance of believing in themselves, adapting to different opponents, and remaining focused under pressure.
“Every competition teaches valuable lessons, whether through victory or defeat.
“Another important lesson is the value of support from parents, coaches, sponsors, and the community,” added Muripo.
Saturday’s tournament was their first major tournament for this year.
Peter Tanyanyiwa