The Sunday News
Tobias Mandoreba in Hwange
THE revival of karate sport in Hwange looks promising as the local community is embracing the resuscitation efforts by two locally based karatekas whose project started in earnest at the beginning of 2014.
Morgan Gorerino and Learnmore Mangilazi have since recruited some adults and junior karatekas from Coalfields Primary School to form the Hwange Dojo last year with the membership figure now standing at 50.
In an interview at their Edmund Davies Hall training base last Friday, Gorerino said their passion is driven by the desire to see karate being viewed as a fitness sport and not one for gangsters.
“Karate has many perceptions in the public hence we are trying to make the community realise that like any other sports, karate is meant for one’s fitness besides being equipped with the skill to defend yourself when in danger.
Lovemore and I have taken up the role of trainers but obviously we also yearn to be renowned in the sport and become acclaimed senseis (karate and judo instructors).
Hwange Dojo is now affiliated under the Gweru (Saguga) Dojo which is under the tutelage of veteran Sensei David “Divah” Dube who comes down to Hwange every three months to offer us technical guidance,” said Gorerino.
Gender balance is also part of Gorerino and Mangilazi’s vision and they ultimately hope to take the game to the rural Hwange in the near future.
“We are cognisant of the need for gender parity and I am happy we have both boys and girls among our juniors but worryingly the adult ladies seem to be shying away but we will continue working to bring them on board. After we have established the game fully in Hwange through some tournaments and exhibition matches, we will then target the rural community,” he added.
Felix Tsvipira, one of the Hwange Dojo adult karate ace is elated by the revival of karate in the town.
“The rejuvenation of karate is a giant step taken by dedicated karatekas and will ensure the so called minority sports get recognition. My passion for karate dates back from a young age. I also heard the Government, through the relevant ministry is working on introducing karate as a sport in schools so we are in the right direction,” said Tsvipira.
Youngsters Anesu Chiuraise and Tabiso Nyoni have also exhibited some sublime karate talent.
From around the early 1990’s to around 2004 when the sport died a natural death, Hwange town had passionate karatekas who included Henry Kahiya, Gibson Sangweni and Stanley Ganyani who was also a cycling sensation with the then famed Hwange Athletics Club.
— @tobymandox
