Moffat Mungazi
Ray Bande
Senior Reporter
NATVIEW Park suburb-based kickboxing star, Simbarashe Mlambo, will be representing the country in next week’s African Continental Championships to be held in Benoni in neighbouring South Africa.
The African Continental Championships, which start on Monday and ends on Thursday, is one of the most prestigious martial arts events in Africa, from which winners will qualify for the World Combat Games in China next year.
Zimbabwe Kickboxing Association is sending some of the best kickboxers in the country like champions, Simbarashe Mlambo and Bruce Gumbo from Manicaland to participate in this event.
They will participate in full contact, and are expected to harvest a number of medals for the country.
Mlambo, who is leaving the country tomorrow (Saturday), said: “I am excited to be part of this competition, and I am hoping to be among the Top 10 martial artists at the end of the event. This is a chance to represent the country well and make a good advert for the sport in the country.”
Mlambo, who conducts most of his training sessions at Master Charlie Sambare’s Sanko JEET Kune Do Academy at Hilltop in the sprawling suburb of Sakubva, is coached by Grayton Chibhonga.
In preparation for this event, Mlambo, who specialises in Under K1 Rule — an art that encompasses kicks from top to bottom — received assistance from Raylton Sports Club Gym for better weightlifting equipment.
Chibhonga said: “We have been preparing for this championship for the past four months. Besides me preparing him as his Master, he personally is a very hard worker and determined person.
“He has been putting extra effort as an individual, and because of that, I am looking forward to have at least a medal from him. He will be representing himself, his Master, Sanko JEET Kune Do Academy, Mutare, Zimbabwe Kickboxing Association, and finally the country at large. We wish him well.”
Mlambo has in the past performed well in local and regional tournaments that include last year’s Zimbabwe against Malawi contest held at Peterhouse in Marondera and Heroes’ Day commemorations competition held in Unit H in Chitungwiza.
The Africa Continental Championships is his maiden serious competition for 2024.
