Karatekas ready to fight for Zim

15 Mar, 2015 - 00:03 0 Views
Karatekas ready to fight for Zim STRIDE OF PRIDE . . . Zimbabwe’s Japan-bound karatekas who are set to participate at the World Championships — Picture: Grace Chirumanzu

The Sunday Mail

STRIDE OF PRIDE . . . Zimbabwe’s Japan-bound karatekas who are set to participate at the World Championships — Picture: Grace Chirumanzu

STRIDE OF PRIDE . . . Zimbabwe’s Japan-bound karatekas who are set to participate at the World Championships — Picture: Grace Chirumanzu

Grace Chirumanzu Sports Correspondent

THE country’ top So-Kyokushin karatekas are preparing for the April 18 All Japan Karate Senshuken Taikai (Championships) like soldiers ready to guard their country’s sovereignty.

With the championships set to be held on Zimbabwe’s Uhuru day in Shizuoka City, Japan, the Zimbabwean team, which includes 2009 champion Saiko Sensei (head teacher) Samson Muripo, says it is ready to raise the country’s flag high.

Muripo heads a team that also features Senpai Lovemore ‘Bolo’ Nyamutswa, Senpai Naison Chituwa and Senpai Admire Chingozhoro.

Coach Sensei Kumbirai Musinami is confident his lieutenants have what it takes to fight their way to glory.

“Zimbabwe has very resilient fighters, the training is thorough and the exposure we have had in the past has given us an advantage over other countries. This is why we have always made an impact at the tournament.

“Though we do not have as much financial support or training equipment like our opponents, we have done well and one can only imagine what we can achieve with the resources our opponents have,” he said.

Financial constraints have in the past forced the country to drop some athletes, but this time Musinami hopes that “Zimbabwe’s corporate world supports the team’s cause to bring the championship title to Zimbabwe by funding all fighters.”

“The fighters we are sending to Japan have been tried at this level and have the experience. Thus, our chances of winning are good. If finances permit us to send all four, then we have a very good chance of bringing a medal or two,” he said.

The All Japan Karate Senshuken Taikai is one of the oldest Kyokushin championships and has featured such legends as Kazuyuki Hasegawa, Ke nji Midori and Hagime Kazume.

Muripo, meanwhile, believes Zimbabwe has the potential to produce world champions, but progress is being hampered by the shortage of funds.

“We have the skill, but preparations are always our major challenge as we lack from training resources to full sponsorship for the trips. Most of our opponents, especially those from Japan and the first world societies, are at a greater advantage as compared to us because Kyokushinkai Karate is highly regarded, sponsored and supported in their countries,” he said.

On his medal prospects, Muripo said: “They consider me one of the best so I guess I will be fighting myself (laughs). On a serious note, it’s an important moment in the life of true budoka, time to share notes with the world’s finest and upcoming Japanese fighters. It is crucial that I manage each fight as it comes.”

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