Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
HARARE-TEAM Zimbabwe returned home triumphant, this Thursday following an impressive showing at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) UFAK Region 5 Karate Championship held in Durban, South Africa.
The national team secured 19 medals, including three gold, two silver, and 14 bronze, finishing fourth overall among the competing SADC nations.
The tournament showcased the continent’s budding talent in karate, with Zimbabwe fielding a youthful team predominantly made up of cadets.
The athletes demonstrated exceptional skill, discipline, and determination on the regional stage.
Among the medal winners were first-time international competitors who delivered golden performances and left the mats with invaluable lessons.
“I am very happy I managed to win. It means a lot, going out of the country for the first time and winning gold,” one of the young champions said.
“I learnt a lot at the tournament, and if I incorporate that knowledge, I will definitely become a better karateka,” a gold medallist said.
For many of the athletes, the Durban tournament was not only about medals but personal growth and exposure to high-level competition.
“It was a career-defining moment. I really enjoyed the challenge because it makes me a better karateka,” a karateka said.
Team Manager, Kudzai Kadzombe, expressed pride in the team’s performance, noting the valuable experience gained by both athletes and administrators during the event.
“We learnt a lot at the tournament in team is administration, even on the athletes’ side we had many lessons, and we believe we can only get better going forward but we are very happy with our achievements,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of continued participation in regional and international competitions as a way to sharpen skills and prepare the young karatekas for even greater accomplishments.
The successful outing in Durban reflects Zimbabwe’s growing potential in martial arts and the effectiveness of grassroots training initiatives.
Stakeholders are now looking to build on this momentum by increasing support for junior and cadet categories and ensuring consistent exposure to international platforms.
The AUSC UFAK Region 5 Championship is a key event on the regional karate calendar, and Zimbabwe’s performance sends a strong message about the country’s rising talent pool.
