Karateka Ziwira confident ahead of Africa Games

ZIMBABWE karate team captain for the upcoming Africa Games in Accra Ghana Tanyaradzwa Ziwira is confident of do ingwell at the tournament.

Ziwira, who is part of the three-member team which also includes Tapiwa Nyikadzino and coach Winston Nyanhete, was in high spirits ahead of team Zimbabwe’s departure early this morning.

Speaking at a send-off ceremony, the multiple award winner said he is looking forward to nothing short of a podium finish.

The top karateka who is going to compete in the kumite under 60kgs category said the opportunity is a big one for them.

“I am very happy with the opportunity to represent my country once again. I have been working hard both in the gym and in sparing. We have an experienced coach in Nyanhete whom I believe in so much.

“Back home I also managed to get support from my father Shepherd and brother Tinashe, whom I train with. The team is good and all we need is to support each other as upcoming athletes we need such opportunities.

“The good thing is most of the athletes we are going to face we have fought against them in other tournaments which gives me confidence,” said Ziwira.

Ziwira will be taking part in Kumite together with countrymen Nyikadzino, who also said he is looking forward to doing well.

Nyikadzino will be competing in the under 67 kg category.

“This means a lot to me. It’s like a lifetime achievement. We have been hoping to go there and now we are here.

“So, we are going to go there and do our best. Preparations were okay. Sometimes tough, but we pick ourselves up and then we keep going.

“We have been working, we are still working and we will keep working until we get there until the fight is over. “So we are hoping for better results, being on the podium and flying our flag high. This is going to be a good experience for me as I have been looking forward to this moment.

“I am happy that I managed to make the final two slots and grateful to the selection panel who have shown faith in me,” said Nyikadzino.

The Zimbabwe National Karate Federation had provided a 16-member team but the numbers were reduced to two with Nyikadzino and Ziwira cutting.

Nyanhete said he is hopeful the athletes they are travelling with will leave a mark and hopefully qualify for the Olympics.

“We have experienced athletes whom I believe will fly the flag high in Ghana.

The preparations were going well and I am very confident that we will bring some medals back home,” added Nyanhete.