Zim shines on world stage: First African Kobudo Ch...

Zim shines on world stage: First African Kobudo Champions return home

Commissioner Priscilla Makotose, centre, representing Commissioner General of Police Godwin Matanga is flanked by Wilfred Mashaya and Vincent Fambira. Comm Makotose is accompanied by other senior police officers in welcoming the two athletes at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday

Zim Now Writer

The First African Kobudo Team to be crowned World Champions in Weaponry Martial Arts landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport yesterday.

An affiliate of the Zimbabwe Karate Union, the Zimbabwe Kobudo team of Master Wilfred Mashaya and his student, Vincent Fambira landed to a heroes’ welcome after they raised the country’s flag high on the World Stage, making the nation proud by bagging 11 medals, which include eight gold medals, two silver and one bronze.

To welcome the duo at RGM International Airport were top officers from the Zimbabwe Republic Police, Zimbabwe Karate Union members, martial artists from different organisations, body builders, sportspersons from various disciplines, members of the Zim Ninja Academy and the media among others.

Commissioner Priscilla Makotose, representing the Commissioner General of Police Godwin Matanga, led the ZRP command that also included Assistant Commissioner Ali Simbarashe Hondo, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi, Chief Superintendent Laxon Sibanda, Superintendent Abel Chimukoko and Superintendent Shamiso Jaricha came to welcome the two champions.

Most importantly, Mashaya’s mother made the 400km trip from rural Gokwe, to welcome her son.

Master Mashaya and Sempai Fambira’s performances at the ICO World Martial Arts Championships held in England from October 20 to 22 put the country on the sporting map of martial arts.

Organised by Andrew Hennessy under the International Combat Organisation based in England, the event was held at Allam Sports Centre located at the University of Hull in Hull City, England and attracted over 15 countries from across the world.

More than 500 athletes drawn from hosts England, Wales, Ukraine, Germany, France, Zimbabwe, Lebanon, Hungary, Ireland, Scotland, Cyprus, Isle of Man, Portugal, Spain and Brazil among others competed.

Master Mashaya won three gold medals and one silver in Black Belts Individual Weaponry Categories while Fambira impressed by bagging three gold medals and one silver in plus 17 Years Individual Weaponry Categories. As a team, they scooped two gold medals and one bronze in Team Weaponry Categories.