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Mbachi Mutukula-Maregere Sports Reporter
THE World Kyokushinkai bronze medallist Tawanda Mufundisi feels he has been neglected by his fellow Zimbabweans after sustaining an injury.

Mufundisi, who is one of the country’s top karatekas, was injured while he was representing the country at the World Kyokushin Karate tournament last September.

The karate senior man Under-70kg champion says he is not happy with the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture, accusing them of showing lack of concern. He said the Zimbabwe Karate Union have also not been supportive either.

“I am very disappointed. I thought since I got injured while representing my country the Ministry of Sport, Arts and Culture was going to give me support but it looks like no one is interested in helping me.

“This is my fourth month after the injury and I don’t get any assistance. I have to go for physiotherapy but I cannot because I do not have the funds.

“It is painful many individuals only get concerned when cricketers, rugby players and footballers get injured.

“Charles Manyuchi, the boxer, only got recognition this year. It’s the same thing with me, I have represented Zimbabwe for 15 years internationally but I do not get recognition.

“I am a family man and I need assistance, I need to rehabilitate myself and it can only be possible if the ministry and the union come to my aid.

“I am still looking forward to representing Zimbabwe and this year I have bigger plans. Initially, I am aiming at scooping gold medals in all the tournaments but I am afraid it might be impossible. I have always loved karate and I have won many medals since I was a kid until now,” said Mufundisi.

He was injured on September 7 in Durban, South Africa.

He has been a karateka for 24 years and represented Zimbabwe for 15 years.