Federation board vice-chairman, Tapiwa Masinire, said the City Sports Centre and the Chitungwiza Aquatics Complex were venues of international standard suitable for the best junior wrestlers from around the continent.
“The rules state that the host should be able to stage three matches at the same time and we have such venues,” said Masinire. “The other countries we are competing with, like South Africa have hosted such competitions before and against that background, I think we have a strong chance of winning the race.” The winning bid will be announced at the meeting of the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, scheduled for China in November. Zimbabwe’s bid faces competition from South Africa, Zambia and Cameroon.
Masinire said the federation had initially targeted the Africa Senior Championships, set for 2014, but later decided to start with the annual junior tournament. This is the first time Zimbabwe has fought to host a wrestling tournament of this magnitude.
Although the contact sport now lies lower locally, compared to the days of Big Mike Tshuma, Patrick Flyer, Spider bam and the late Max Kutsanzira (Moondog), hosting the continental showcase would help stimulate interest among the young.
Post published in: Sport