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Grace Chirumanzu Sports Correspondent
The 1st All Africa So-Kyokushin Karate Championships exploded into life at Chitungwiza Aquatic Complex on Saturday with Zimbabwe dominating the showdown. The Zimbabwe team amassed over 15 medals with most categories having blazing finals between the hosts. Zimbabwean fighters who won medals include Brenda Dunduru (women lightweight), Sharleen Amoda, Jean-Claud Mufundisi and Sly Karidzamimba. Zimbabwe’s most experienced female karateka Amoda, who is a third dan black belt, put up a brave fight in the finals against experienced South African fighter Mbali Msomi to settle for second place.

Sensei Amoda believes with more exposure female fighters in Zimbabwe have a chance to prove a force to reckon with on the international stage.

“It was a great experience for us as Zimbabwean ladies, I am happy about making it to the finals,” she told The Herald.

“Although I would have loved to win I think a bronze medal was a good achievement considering that we were fighting against fighters who have more exposure at international tournaments. Here in Zimbabwe women in karate are not given much limelight and it does not help us in showing the young girls that it can be done.”

She added: “The last time I fought in a tournament was some 13 years back and the reason I came to register for this one was to make sure there is enough representation of women for my country. I believe we made our presence felt and all we need is more exposure to win more gold medals like what Brenda did in the lightweight.”

Tournament director Saiko Sensei Samson Muripo said the tournament was staged to his expectations with over 2 000 spectators packing the Chitungwiza hall.