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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
IT was an exciting weekend for local karatekas with the Zimbabwe Karate Union ending their 2017 season on a high note when they staged the AfricaBet Champion of Champions tournament at City Sports Centre on Saturday.

Karatekas from across the country battled it out in both semi and full contact styles to mark the end of national union’s programmes for this year.

The annual event lived up to expectations with some thrilling bouts in both the semi and full contact styles.

For full contact styles, Kelly Mtisi was crowned champion in the men’s open after he beat Fungai Katerere.

Mtisi, a seasoned fighter was on top of his game as he was making his comeback after taking a short break from the sport and was impressed with his performance on Saturday.

“It was my first participation after the break, so it gives me courage. It shows I am still there. And it was my warm up for next year, to see where I am now because I am going to Japan. There is an open tournament in Japan,” said Mtisi.

With some new talent taking part in the tournament, Mtisi said it’s good for the sport and is optimistic of the future.

“It’s good I competed with new guys because when you fight with the same seasoned guys, you know each other and what to do. So for me it was a good experience because the people I fought were new to me.

“It shows people are getting interested in the sport, they are seeing the benefits. So it’s good if people keep the passion and will. And will see the organisation growing,” said Mtisi.

In the other fights, Justice Mutyoramwendo took the Under-67kg while Wengai Katemanyengo emerged the winner in the Under-77kg. In the women’s section, Kudakwashe Chiwandire won the open category when she defeated Brenda Phiri.

The former boxer dominated the fight from the onset and attributed her victory to determination.

“I was well prepared for this tournament. Since I won another tournament last month I did not take a break and today it paid off. I didn’t know what to expect but I thank God I won.

“The competition was tough but I did my best,” said Chiwandire.

Fighters from the semi-contact styles were also not to be outdone with Gerald Muusha displaying some of the best movements and techniques in the senior men kata. Muusha, who is also the ZKU technical director semi-contact came out tops in the senior men while Devine Chimwanda was second.

The open women’s title went to Nicole Musarira. In the juniors category Liam Kirkman and Tanaka Mazhata were some of the outstanding participants in the tournament. Kirkman won the boys 10 to 11 years age-group and the 12 to 13 age-group. While Mazhata came out tops in the 16 to 17 years and Under-21 boys age-groups. Muusha said they were pleased with the tournament.

“We have had a very good tournament. We had a good turnout, there were so many athletes who came in to participate from different styles. So it was well supported.

“The level of competition is so high. I was so impressed considering that we have got some young athletes who are showing some promises and the level of competition they have displayed is quite good.

“And we are looking forward now to building them to meet the regional and international standards,” said Muusha.

Botswana’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Louis Matshwenyego Fisher was among the guests.

Other Results:

Full Contact Winners

Boys Open: Elvis Chikono

Boys 40kg: Tawanda Alexanda

Boys 35kg: Jean Claude Mufundisi

Boys Under-25: President Musekiwa.

Semi-Contact Winners

Kata Boys

7-9 years: Shawn Pote

10-11 years: Liam Kirkman

12-13 years: Liam Kirkman

14-15 years: Daniel Chimwanda

16-17 years: Tanaka Mazhata

Boys Under-21

Tanaka Mazhata

Girls

7-9 years: Angel Mudakureva

10-11 years: Anotida Makota

12-13 years: Victoria Musarira

14-15 years: Anesu Karadzandima