Zim karate team in SA medal haul

Sport
A 14-member team of Zimbabwean karatekas who took part in the Polokwane Karate Championships last week brought home 19 medals.

A 14-member team of Zimbabwean karatekas who took part in the Polokwane Karate Championships last week brought home 19 medals.

By Our Staff

Led by veteran karateka Simba Chikutu who also doubled as head of the delegation, the team managed to bring home two gold, nine silver and seven bronze medals.

Out of the 14 that travelled, at least 12 managed to chalk a medal. Speaking to Standardsport just after arriving home, Chikutu said they were taking part in numerous tournaments to try and prepare for the World Karate Championships slated for August next year in South Africa.

“Our preparations went well. I have to mention this; we got a letter from the Sports and Recreation Commission which was instrumental in our smooth movement at border posts. Hope this will continue,” Chikutu said.

Chikutu himself bagged two bronze medals in the kata and kumite styles with Zibusiso Muloyiswa, who is also the assistant coach, claiming two silver in both kata and Kumite.

Aaron Rungani, who is the vice-captain, managed to win gold and silver in Kumite and kata with Tatenda Mahundi winning bronze in Kumite.

Scott Weale joined Rungani as he also won gold and silver in Kumite and kata respectively. Deshon Chikodzi and Simbarashe Munemo weighed in with bronze in kata and silver in Kumite respectively. Nyasha Kazamula won silver in Kumite with and Victor Mudovi winning silver and bronze in both categories.

Panashe Chikutu won two bronze while Panatswa Chikutu, who happened to be the youngest (eight years old) also weighed in a silver medal in Kumite with Kudakwashe Gowera also winning silver in the same category to complete the medal haul.

“We had a good experience competing against fighters who are also preparing for the Transvaal Championships set for September 6 n Pretoria, as well as the World championships.”