Ziwira dominates Kwekwe tourney

Takudzwa Chitsiga recently in Kwekwe
TAMUKA ZIWIRA dominated the seventh edition of the annual Kwekwe Invitational Karate Championships at Kwekwe Queens Sports Club on Saturday when he scooped three gold medals and a silver in both kumite and kata in the senior men category.

The tournament, dubbed “Best of the Best,” was hosted by Sensei Shepherd Ziwira, who is the Japan Karate Association of Zimbabwe chief instructor and Midlands Karate Union technical director. Several athletes from across the country graced the event, which they said lived to its billing. Karatekas from Masvingo, Triangle, Marondera, Bulawayo and Harare came to trade punches. Zimbabwe Karate Union president, Paul Danisa, said the event was a good show for talent identification.

“They have initiated this event, this being their seventh year, and it has become a national event. People are always looking forward to it and it has since become a national event where we have even drafted it on our national calendar. The event helps us to have a national team selection and with youngsters coming on board, it has helped a lot in terms of development of karate as a sport. The best athletes always come through and the juniors’ platform is very impressive. All that is left is to give them the necessary exposure,” Danisa said.

The highlight of the day was the family affair battle in the final between the Ziwira siblings Tinashe and Tamuka and the Manyeruke cousins Thomas and Kenneth. Tamuka, who managed to scoop three gold and one silver, was a happy man.

“I am so happy and I’m looking forward to more competitions,” he said. “I worked hard for it and it finally paid off.”

Another big winner in the female category, Tendai Muchenje, got two gold medals.

“I have been training hard for this tournament,” she said.

The organiser of the prestigious tournament, Sensei Ziwira, said he was impressed with the quality on show. “I am happy with the success of the event and it is our tradition that we learn from each event and improve the following year.

“Everything went well although we started late waiting for some athletes who were travelling from other cities.

“The athletes are improving technically and tactically; their mental awareness is improving as well and that’s why there were few injuries,” he said.