Online Reporter
Zimpapers Sports Hub
THE Zimbabwe National Karate Federation have distanced themselves from young karateka Bongeka Mguni’s appeal for financial assistance to prepare for the upcoming African Union Sports Council Region 5 Games.
Zimbabwe are looking to send a youth team to the Games scheduled to start on July 4 in Windhoek, Namibia.
The Government, through the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture and the Sports and Recreation Commission, is taking care of Team Zimbabwe’s requirements for the regional sporting showpiece.
It is against this background that the Karate Federation yesterday issued a statement refuting the claims made by Mguni as she took to social media seeking US$150, which she claimed she needed for preparations for the AUSC Region 5 karate competition.
In her post, which went viral, Mguni claimed she needed the money to cover transport and subsistence costs for her trip from her base in Bulawayo to Harare and a mobile number was supplied through which well-wishers could send their donations for her.
In dismissing Mguni’s claims ZNKF maintained that all their athletes’ preparations and the trip to Namibia are being taken care of by the Government.
“The Zimbabwe National Karate Federation wishes to address recent social media posts and public concerns regarding funding for our national team’s participation in the upcoming African Union Sports Council Region 5 Youth Games scheduled for July 2025 in Namibia,” read a statement by the federation.
“In the posts, the athlete appeals to the public for US$150 to assist with transport from Bulawayo to Harare in preparation for the Games.
“This message has since gone viral and attracted public concern, including criticism directed at the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, the Sport and Recreation Commission (SRC), and the Zimbabwe National Karate Federation.
“We wish to categorically state that this post is unfortunate, inaccurate and misleading.
“As previously communicated to athletes, the Government of Zimbabwe is fully sponsoring all national teams participating in the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games, including karate.
“This sponsorship covers local and international transport, accommodation, meals, travel and participation allowances and winning bonuses among other expenses.
“The appeal by the athlete was made without consultation with the Zimbabwe National Karate Federation,” read the statement.
The karate body also discouraged members of the public from donating any money to the athlete.
“The social media posts do not reflect the actual funding situation.
“All logistical expenses for athletes’ participation are fully catered for and no athlete is required to fund their own participation in any aspect of these Games.
“We urge members of the public not to donate money to any athlete for participation in these Games as all expenses have been budgeted for and will be covered by the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture through the Sports and Recreation’’.
