ZNKF eye international success

ZIMBABWE National Karate Federation president Joe Rugwete is optimistic of better fortunes as they brace for the new season that gets underway next month.

Ellina Mhlanga Senior Sports Reporter

The national association is eyeing participation in regional, continental and international tournaments lined up for the year.

They are looking at fielding some of their athletes at the UFAK Region South competition in June before going for the continental showpiece to be staged in Tunisia in August. They also have their eyes on the World Karate Federation Championships due to take place in October, in Spain.

Besides that, they are hoping to be part of team Zimbabwe to compete at the African Games in March.

Rugwete admitted they faced financial constraints in the past year but is hopeful they can find a way to address the challenges to ensure they are represented at the various competitions.

“2023 was a very tough year for us financially as our traditional sponsors from the corporate world did not perform well economically, although we celebrate the successful hosting of the 2023 UFAK Region South (Africa Union Sports Council Region 5) Championships.

“We had a couple of national events in Midlands, Harare and Mashonaland East.

“We hope to be sending teams to all regional, continental and international events. However, our membership fees are not enough to sustain these events. We will have to rely on fund raising, sponsorship, donations and government grants if we are to field these teams.

“This is going to be tough, but we will do our best to mobilise resources for our athletes.

“We have a national team selection policy in place, and we will select the teams according to the said policy. The problem is that some of our talented athletes belong to styles that are not in good standing with the ZNKF,” said Rugwete.

Local competition begins next month with the inter-schools competition at Dominican Convent in Harare. Some of the tournaments to look forward to include the Japanese Ambassador Cup, Kwekwe Invitation and Champion of Champions.

However, the number of local tournaments remain a concern as they are limited and the ZNKF president noted that it is due to lack of resources.

“Local events provide game time opportunities for athletes, we wish to have at least one event each quarter distributed around the country. However, these events cost money to host and to attend. Currently our members are struggling with resources to host and attend the events.”

The national association will hold their annual general meeting in March to deliberate on the affairs of the sport.

“The AGM will present an opportunity for us to celebrate and build on our successes, and importantly to introspect on our challenges.

“Administratively, 2023 was a strange year for us where our officials that we appointed in various portfolios to support the executive committee did not perform to expectations.

“We remain hopeful that in 2024, we will meet our objectives,” Rugwete said.