History Made: For the first time, Zimbabwe has deployed a team of eight for this international competition.
By Dickson Bandera
Zimbabwe made a resounding mark at the International Combat Organisation (ICO) World Championships in Swansea, Wales, over the weekend, as eight young martial artists, together with their master, Shihan Wilfred Mashaya, banged home an astonishing 43 medals.
The tournament attracted participants from Spain, Ireland, Ukraine, Italy, Cyprus, USA, Wales, England, Scotland, Brazil, Portugal, Romania, France, South Africa, Germany, Nepal, and Zimbabwe, making the competition a true global showcase of talent.
Facing such stiff competition, the Zimbabwean team delivered a stellar performance, securing 14 gold, 18 silver, and 11 bronze medals.
The young athletes represented the Zimbabwe Martial Arts Kobudo/Weapons Team under the Zimbabwe Karate Union (ZKU) for the first time in the United Kingdom, showcasing exceptional skill across Traditional Weapons, Creative Weapons, and Freestyle Weapons events. Their performances impressed judges and spectators alike, highlighting Zimbabwe’s growing prominence on the global martial arts stage.
The success of the team was bolstered by the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), who provided resources and facilities to ensure the athletes trained adequately. Preparations took place over several months at Mkushi Training Academy and Aquaview Resort (Lake Chivero), keeping the young athletes engaged positively while honing their skills. These facilities were made available through the support of the Commissioner General of Police, Stephen Mutamba.
Training in martial arts has also been a strategic effort by Shihan Mashaya to help youth stay away from drugs and substance abuse—a pressing issue in Zimbabwe—while instilling discipline, resilience, and other life skills. As the saying goes, “It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.”
“This is a proud moment for Zimbabwe. The kids worked hard, showed great discipline, and gave their best. I’m so proud of what they achieved,” Shihan Mashaya said.
Medal Highlights
Girls’ Division:
Dean Gwatah: 1 silver (individual freestyle weapon), 3 bronze (team creative, team freestyle, team traditional weapon)
Anenyasha Hove: 4 bronze (team traditional, team freestyle, team creative, individual creative weapon)
Anotida Hove: 3 gold (team traditional, individual creative, team creative), 1 silver (team freestyle)
Thandeka Moyo: 3 gold (team traditional, team creative, individual traditional), 3 silver (team freestyle, individual freestyle, individual creative)
Boys’ Division:
Takudzwa Chizema: 3 gold (individual traditional, individual creative, team creative), 3 silver (individual freestyle, team traditional, team freestyle)
Wilfred Mashaya Jnr: 1 gold (team creative), 3 silver (team traditional, individual creative, team freestyle)
Arnold Mudzengerere: 1 gold (team creative), 2 silver (team creative, individual traditional), 2 bronze (team traditional, individual creative)
Brian Mupindu Jnr: 1 gold (team creative), 3 silver (individual freestyle, team freestyle, team creative), 2 bronze (team traditional, individual traditional)
Shidoshi Wilfred Mashaya also emerged as Kobudo World Champion, winning 2 golds (individual creative and traditional weapons for black belts) and 2 silvers (individual freestyle and mixed creative weapon).
Shihan Mashaya attributed the team’s success to teamwork, dedication, and the unwavering support of the Zimbabwean community in the UK. “The children fought with heart and carried the Zimbabwean flag high. This win proves that our country has world-class talent and represents a victory in our fight against drugs and substance abuse among the youth,” he added.
He also extended gratitude to Delight Samanyanga and her son Munyaradzi Chiwara, Zimbabweans in the UK who welcomed the team at the airport and supported the athletes, particularly the four girls, during their stay.
He thanked other Zimbabweans who cheered the team at the tournament.
