adminEllina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
TEAM manager for the athletes that competed in the Zone Six karate championships, Tichaona Saizi, says there is need for the government to come on board and support national teams from different sporting disciplines for them to realise their full potential.
Saizi accompanied karatekas that competed in the championships held in Zambia recently.
They won 26 medals, including four gold, and they are proving to be one of the sporting disciplines that has been doing well over the years.
Speaking at a medals presentation held by the ZKU yesterday, Saizi said government support will go a long way in motivating the athletes.
“The challenges were there because most of the athletes had to foot their own bills, it was tough really.
“And I think the government should just chip in, for such major tournaments, to make life easier for the organisation.
“It motivates even the athletes because really, we had better athletes who did not travel to Zambia because they couldn’t afford to raise their own money.
“I hope in future the government will chip in and it will help us in a big way,” said Saizi.
The team manager was also appointed into the finance committee of the Zone Six.
Some of the athletes that came out tops are Winston Nyanhete (Senior Under-67kg) and Harrison Karidzamimba (12-13-year Under-55kg). Nakai Mahachi won silver and bronze in the girls’ kumite and kata respectively.
Online Reporter