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Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter
THE Zim Ninja Academy on Saturday honoured its members for their achievements in various competitions they participated in throughout the year when they held their 2022 awards in Harare.
This is the first time the academy, which specialises in martial arts, held awards to celebrate and honour its members in various categories as well as various stakeholders for their support.
Students were honoured in various categories and among the highlights of the day was Vincent Fambira, who was voted the Best Student of Year. Wilfred Junior Mashaya received the Best Junior Student of the Year. Also not to be outdone was Mitchell Rudanda, who walked away with the Female Student of the Year award, and Fredson Mhondiwa got the Male Student of the Year.
Rudanda, who won several medals in different virtual competitions held in the year, said it is encouraging to be recognised for her efforts. “I feel honoured and grateful though it’s not something easy to be outstanding amongst men. This is a male-dominated sport, so to get to that level where you are recognised you would have worked hard.
“But I feel honoured, it’s encouraging for women. I render my special gratitude to Sensei Wilfred Mashaya for giving us equal opportunities. In some sport sections, women are looked down upon but at Zim Ninja Academy we are being given equal opportunities, we are being given time to express the best that we can do.”
Rudanda is looking forward to another fruitful season next year.
“2023 my wish is to participate in every tournament, though the only challenge we have right now is sponsorship as an academy. We even missed a tournament we were supposed to take part in.
“But given the opportunity that we find sponsorship, I would love to participate in each and every tournament that will be lined up for the year,” said Rudanda.
Zim Ninja Academy founder, Sensei Wilfred Mashaya, said the awards are a form of encouragement and motivation to their members.
“These awards are important as they encourage students and other martial artists to do their best in martial arts and life in general as martial arts is a way of life. The awards will be done annually.
“Certificates of achievements were awarded to outstanding students.”
The Academy also awarded certificates of recognition and certificates of appreciation to various stakeholders that supported their endeavours throughout the year.
“Certificates of appreciation were awarded to various stakeholders who helped and supported Zim Ninja Academy in various ways. These include members of the media fraternity, parents of Zim Ninja Academy (students) and the general public who were influential to the success of the Zim Ninja Academy,” said Mashaya.
Members of the Academy were also given their medals they won in various virtual competitions hosted by different countries around the world.
Zim Ninja Academy Awards 2022
Best Student of the Year — Vincent Fambira
Female Student of the Year — Mitchell Rudanda
Male Student of the Year — Fredson Mhondiwa
Best Junior Student of the Year — Wilfred Junior Mashaya
Junior Female Student of the Year — Virginia Chihuri
Best Upcoming Female Student of the Year — Michelle Chagonda
Best Upcoming Male Student of the Year — Curtis Zisusa
Elder Student of the Year — Itai Maveto Punctual
Most Improved Male Student — Brian Shepeni
Most Improved Female Student — Zanele Mfiri
Most Promising Male Student — Munashe Gumbo
Most Spirited Female Student — Tariroyashe Ndhlovu
Hard Working Student of the Year — Gift Huni
Loyal Student of the Year — Prince Chabanga
Youngest Student of the Year v Nia Zvavanjanja
Most Spirited Male Student — Marksmen Mudzengerere
Most Promising Female Student of the Year — Samukele Bhebhe
Chairman of the Year — Jason Seremwe
Technical Director of the Year — Shylock Nevanji
Secretary General of the Year — Christopher Garatsa
Best Coordinator of the Year — Thandiwe Chirindo
Marketing Manager of the Year — Farayi Zuva
Treasurer of the Year — Solomon Mandongwe
Designer of the Year — Panashe Munemo
Advisor of the Year — David Ochieng
Best Uchideshi — Peter Murapa
Best Supportive Member of the Year — Cade Zvavanjanja
Girl Child Supporter of the Year — Joselyne Muchenje
Best Organiser of the Year — Sandra Gwena
Best Team Builder of the Year — Vitalis Paruzere
Online Reporter