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Tedious Manyepo : Sports Reporter

TOP Zimbabwean wrestler Herbert Mururi is unfazed by the Herculean task which lies ahead of him in the bi-annual World Belt Wrestling Championships in Kyrgyzstan from September 2 to 9. The fighter, who is the only Zimbabwean to contest in the premier world championships, left for Johannesburg yesterday where he was scheduled to team up with other Southern African participants before connecting to the Asian country.Mururi will compete in the open category of the Alish style.

He was selected to represent the country by a respected grading panel at a seminar in Cape Town, South Africa, last year.

The 34-year old, who is also good in the Pahlvani and Kouluchistyl styles, said he was comfortable to venture onto the world stage but promised to bring back the gold medal.

“I am comfortable going to the World Belt Wrestling Championships carrying the underdog tag.

“It means I do not have any pressure whatsoever to deliver the goods.

“So, as someone who do not have anything to lose, I will go into the ring to express myself and show the world what I can do.

“I am determined to put Zimbabwe on the world wrestling map. I promise to fly high the Zimbabwean flag in the championships,” said Mururi.

Zimbabwe Wrestling Federation secretary-general Tapiwa Masinire appealed to the corporate world to partner the sport.

“Our wrestler Herbert Mururi has proven beyond doubt that the sport of wrestling can indeed help the country go on the world sporting map.

“I am confident he will raise the country’s flag high. I know he is a good fighter and will perform far beyond expectations,” said Masinire.

The Mufakose raised wrestler’s trip was funded by the United World Wrestling Federation.