Online Reporter
Takudzwa Chitsiga
Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWE Judo Association yesterday announced a strong team that will take part in the South Africa Schools Open Championship early next month.
The 30-member team, which received tracksuits from Coral Soft paper during yesterday’s send-off ceremony, is looking forward to bring medals from the tournament. The South African School Open is scheduled for Pretoria, South Africa and provides an unparalleled opportunity for young judokas, some as young as seven.
“The athletes will gain invaluable exposure to elite technical standards, a fully computerised international scoring system, and the kind of professional structure that is fundamental to inspiring Olympic dreams. The experience is critical for their long-term development,” said JAZ president sensei Smart Deke. “In 2024, Zimbabwe’s contingent brought home an impressive four gold medals. With stronger preparation and a significantly larger, more diverse team this year, the nation is not just hopeful but hungry for even greater success on the international stage.
“As the Judo Association of Zimbabwe (JAZ), we are poised to make a significant statement as we prepare to send one of its largest delegations of junior judokas to the prestigious South African School Open Judo Championships on July 1, 2025, in Pretoria. “This landmark participation, featuring 30 talented young athletes, is a powerful testament to Zimbabwe’s burgeoning presence in African judo,” said Deke. Beyond the junior contingent, Zimbabwe is also making its mark on the continental stage. A formidable senior team will represent the nation at the African Judo Championships, also in Pretoria, showcasing the depth of talent across all age groups. An elite youth squad is also set to compete in the Namibia Regional Youth Games, a crucial step in their ambitious journey towards qualifying for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal, and ultimately the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, America. This is also key preparation for the back-to-back 2026 Regional Games in Maputo. These international platforms are vital for our juniors, cadets, and seniors to showcase and refine their skills on a global stage.
Boys team: Hamazah Omar, Munyasha Nyamuda, Seth Chikwanda, Leo Kirk, Nigel Madzorera, Macmilan Chiweshe, Jack Wilkes, Eli Beahan, Logan Edwards, Micah Ndlovu, Iman Soko, Smart Deke, Marcus Taghlin, and Seth Edwards
Girls Team: Makatida Makunike, Wandidaishe Mafunga, Margot Zambelis, Amariah Mutema, Larkyn Du Preez (9), Myrah Nseko (9), Leona Visser (9), Victoria Zimani (9), Ndadiwa Mutizwa (9), Semariah Mtema (9), Samicah Mtema (10), Kira Goddard (10), Sofia Kirk (11), Layla Smith (11), Mikaela Du Preez (11), and Mayah Ndlovu (11).
Boys Squad: Brian Chiminya (28), Sean Nyikadzino (17), Taboka Chigogwana (17) African Open Contingent: Athletes: Zack Smith, Majaji Musariri Coaches: Moses Mutende, Simba Mashayi Senior African Judo Championships
Coach: Sydney Mutero
Team Manager: Tapiwanashe Wozhele Namibia Regional Youth Games
Coaches: Janine Kayaya, Tapiwa Pavari
Team Manager: Lazarus Arufandika
Senior Squad South African Judo Championship:
Girls Squad: Mya Chavhunduka (17), Rufaro Mtewa (20), Precious Tapomwa (15)
