Kyokushin Union of Zimbabwe chairman, Stephen Charandura, told The Zimbabwean, “it was unfortunate especially for the youngsters who were looking forward to be part of the event.”
Four fighters Samson Muripo, George Matambo, Resistance Munyepera, Kelly Mutisi and Muchineripi Tarwirei were to represent the country at the two-day World Cup that ended in Japan, last Sunday.
Sempai (teacher) Muripo explained how “demoralizing it was for the fighters to learn of the sad news two days before the tournament after training indefatigably for the whole day during the past month.
“The international tournament was going to help our fighters gain international experience, but it was unfortunate there was nothing we could do.”
Charandura explained that the Union was focused on the preparations for the annual Homegate Kyokushin karate tournament, with plans of inviting top South African fighters.
Meanwhile, the national women’s volleyball team, which was scheduled to leave Harare last Friday to make their maiden appearance at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games qualifiers in Algeria, were still in Harare on Sunday struggling to secure foreign currency.
Team manager Ringi Mapondera told The Zimbabwean on Sunday, ” Frederick Ndlovu (Zimbabwe Volleyball Association president) left Friday for Algiers to make necessary arrangements and team registration. We hope the ladies will make it on Monday (last Monday).”
The tournament roared into life on Tuesday in Algiers. – Gracey Chirumanzu
Post published in: Zimbabwe Sports News