ZIMBABWE'S top full-contact karate fighters battled for places in the national team over the weekend as the Zimbabwe So-Kyokushin Karate Selection Tournament attracted Japanese instructors and regional competitors ahead of upcoming international competitions.
The two-day tournament, held at the Aquatic Complex on August 1 and 2, was used to select athletes for future international assignments while exposing local fighters to higher-level competition.
So-Kyokushin Do chief Shihan Samson Muripo said the event was aimed at preparing Zimbabwe's athletes for tougher international contests.
"We brought in Japan and our neighbours because our athletes must learn to fight under pressure. This was not about medals only — it was about finding who can represent the flag," Muripo said.
Japanese instructors Sensei Marty Yamagata and Senpai Naoto Kusakabe conducted technical sessions, while South Africa's Shihan Thulani Sibisi attended with a strong team. Malawi also fielded competitors.
Robert Mashingaidze produced the tournament's biggest upset by defeating pre-tournament favourite Simbarashe Khumba in the senior men's open semi-final before overcoming Arnold Kashiri in the final to claim the title. He was also named the competition's Most Technical Male fighter.
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Tsitsi Muranda won the senior women's open title after defeating Antonella Zimbodza in the final, and was named Most Technical Female. South Africa's Vunene Baloyi finished third.
Tafadzwa "Biggie" Mutize claimed the senior men's lightweight title.
In the junior divisions, Chitsungo and Abiathar Dhliwayo won the Under-11 categories, while Prosper Mutinhiri and Alicia Mufundisi emerged victorious in the high school divisions.
The tournament was attended by Zimbabwe Karate Union president Shihan Tawanda Mufundisi, vice-president Wilfred Mashaya and Zimbabwe Judo Association president Moses Mutende.
Muripo said the event had provided selectors with a strong pool of athletes ahead of international competitions.
"The talent is here in Zimbabwe. What we need now is exposure. These Japanese and regional fights will prepare us," he said.