The Sunday Mail
Sports Reporter
THE newly-formed Zimbabwe National Karate Federation (ZNKF) have wasted no time getting down to business by appointing a cast of seasoned administrators and technical officials.
Outgoing Zimbabwe Karate Union (ZKU) president Joe Rugwete heads the new Federation, which includes former national senior rugby team coach and veteran karateka Godwin “Jaws” Murambiwa and media personality Oswelled Ureke, in its ranks.
Lizzie Mupure, a secretary in the ZKU, is set to take up a new post in ZNKF, where she will deputise Rugwete.
Tirivenyu Mutema has been appointed general-secretary.
Murambiwa, who has previously coached the Young Sables and guided them to the Under-20 Junior World Trophy tournament, comes in as a marketing executive.
A number of sporting associations rarely put emphasis on marketing.
The rest of the board, which Rugwete said would be known as the Bureau Board, will be in charge of the day-to-day running of the federation.
They include Ureke (media manager); Ndabezinhle Mazibuko (legal commission); David Mandengenda and Elizabeth Mukabeta, who are team managers for men and women respectively; Chipo Mashingaidze (women’s commission); and Fredson Shavi (technical director).
“We decided to take the ban on active sport, due to Covid-19, as an opportunity to take care of the administrative functions and put in place proper structures.
“We have applied for membership with the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, and we understand that admission into ZOC is a process that may need a board decision.
“We, however, remain confident that we will soon be a full member of ZOC, considering that we are an Olympic sport,” Rugwete said.
“Consultations are ongoing for the appointment of the treasurer, who is supposed to have qualifications in accounting.
“Consultations are also still ongoing for heads of organising and para karate commissions.
“The entire structure makes up the Executive Bureau, which runs the day-to-day activities of the ZNKF.
“The athletes’ commission head and TD (technical director) have been incorporated due to their athlete-related duties. Everything we do, we do for the athletes,’’ Rugwete added.
He said members of the technical commission are in the Executive Bureau because they deal directly with the most important stakeholder — the athlete.
“There were also coach and referee appointments, with Eugene Moody now serving as chief referee, while Alison Nyoni, David Dube, Winston Nyanhete, Innocent Remwa, and Gerald Muusha will serve as coaches,” he said.
Rugwete added that they have appointed an Executive Bureau in terms of their constitution, and the committee that will run the day-to-day affairs of the new Zimbabwe National Karate Federation.
