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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
AS the Judo Association of Zimbabwe host the inaugural Brian Warren Open tournament in honour of the late former president today, national coach Simba Mashayi has said the event comes at the right time as they are beginning preparations for several major competitions next year.

The one-day competition will take place at Hellenic Primary School in Harare with participants, from as young as five years, expected to take part. Mashayi said they are hopeful of participating at next year’s African Youth Games in Algeria in July and today’s tournament presents a platform to assess the talent they have.

The continental Games are a qualifying event for the Summer Youth Olympic Games in Argentina in October next year. And Mashayi’s focus today will be on the cadets (Under-17s) as the YOG target the 14 to 18 age-group.

“This competition is a chance for us to take a look at athletes for the African Youth Games in Algeria. This is an opportunity to select athletes. So it’s the African Youth Games (first) and after that it’s the Youth Olympic Games for those that would have qualified. We are looking forward to have cadets from Prince Edward, Girls High, Mabvuku Club and Hartmann,” said Mashayi.

Mashayi paid tribute to the late former JAZ president Warren for his contribution to judo and introducing him to the sport.

“For me I can say when I started judo, I was introduced (to the sport) by the Warren family because they are the pioneers of judo in Zimbabwe. And for me it’s a great honour to have this competition and remembering Brian Warren.

“Something that I learnt from Sensei Brian was that he was a man of discipline. Even my life changed because of judo. When he was teaching us judo he taught us to respect everyone . . . if you want to succeed in judo you need to listen. Having a black belt does not mean you know everything because in judo you learn every day,” said Mashayi.

Warren, who passed away in 2015, served on the judo executive for many years having played an important role in the introduction and development of the sport locally.

Today’s tournament is also part of promoting growth of judo in the country and the national association has been working with different coaches from Japan in their efforts. JAZ technical director Steve Pearson said they are pleased with the progress they are making.