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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
ALL is set for the Zimbabwe Karate Union annual meeting slated for today at Tsungubvi Hall in Glendale where a new executive will be elected into office to run the mother body for the next two years.

The outgoing executive is led by Joe Rugwete while his deputy is Eric Chinembiri.

Steven Charandura is the secretary-general and Morag Flight holds the treasurer’s post.

Two athletes’ commission representatives for both full contact and semi-contact styles will also be selected today.

Charandura yesterday declared his interests and will be vying for the same post while president Rugwete is not certain, but is likely to seek re-election if nominated today.

“We are expecting all affiliated styles and karatekas to come. Normally we do not have an election code. What we do is if the styles or any members have a candidate they want they can nominate that person. Candidates are nominated on the day of the elections.

“I am running for the same post. I think all members of the executive are still available for the elections, no one is showing signs of getting tired.

“Our term has been a success, I feel we have done extremely well, but I also feel there is still a lot that needs to be done because we are trying to turn karate into a professional sport,” said Charandura.

Charandura said besides the elections they are going to review the events for the past year and map the way forward for 2016.

Under the leadership of Rugwete and his lieutenants, the karate mother body won several Annual National Sports Awards in recognition of their work at administration and developmental level.

They clinched the Sports Administration of the Year award and Sports Development award last year.

In 2014, they claimed the Sports Administration award and the year before they were runners-up for the same award.

Rugwete said he is happy with their achievements, but pointed out that funding remains a challenge as karate is still struggling to attract sponsors.

The sitting executive, provincial chairpersons and their technical directors as well as two representatives for each affiliated style will cast their votes today.