By Sports Reporter
Local karatekas from Kwekwe and Gweru have put on a commendable display at the 11th edition of the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Youth Games, currently underway in Namibia.
Rising star Lovemore Mutune led the medal haul, winning a bronze medal in the Boys’ Individual Kata and a silver medal in the Boys’ Kumite (68kg category). His teammate, Trinity Kotsi, added to Zimbabwe’s tally by claiming bronze in the same Kumite weight class (68kg).
The Boys’ Team Kata, which included both Mutune and Tawanda Kotsi, also walked away with a bronze medal, rounding off a strong performance by the Kwekwe contingent.
Local coach and mentor, Sensei Shepherd Ziwira, praised the athletes for their commitment and discipline throughout the tournament.
“I am impressed by how well the boys performed. They have raised the Kwekwe flag high in regional karate circles,” said Sensei Ziwira.
Meanwhile Zimbabwe enjoyed a strong overall performance in karate, collecting several medals across various age groups and weight categories. South Africa dominated in the Girls’ Kumite divisions, taking home multiple gold medals in the 55kg and 61kg categories. Botswana secured a silver medal in the Boys’ Team Kata and a bronze in the Boys’ Individual Kumite (75kg). Namibia, as hosts, clinched gold in the Girls’ Team Kata and performed strongly across all Kata categories. Angola and Mozambique also made podium finishes in several junior divisions, showing strong growth in the sport.
The Region 5 Youth Games bring together top young athletes from across Southern Africa to compete in various disciplines including athletics, boxing, swimming, and karate. The event serves as a platform to showcase talent and foster regional integration through sport.
The tournament continues this week with more events scheduled in athletics, swimming, and team sports.