Faith Ndou
MASVINGO-Taekwondo sensation, Nathanael Brown (19) from Zvishavane who has already etched his name in Zimbabwe’s sporting history is appealing for $5, 605 to pay for bills to participate in the forthcoming championships to be held in Kenya.
Armed with nothing but determination, discipline and a deep love for his country, this young taekwondo athlete has risen from humble beginnings to compete on some of the biggest martial arts stages in the world.
Now, as he prepares for the Kenya Under-21 Championships and future international tournaments scheduled for the 3rd to the 5th of December 2025 at Kasarani Gymnasium, Kenya, Nathanael is appealing for sponsorship to help cover essential costs including transport, accommodation, tournament registration, competition gear and medical expenses.
A total of US$5,605 is needed to ensure his continued participation at the elite level. Every dollar raised will go toward helping the young athlete train effectively, travel safely and represent Zimbabwe with pride.
Nathanael told The Midweek Watch that he began his taekwondo journey in 2018, training with minimal resources but with a burning dream to one day wear the Zimbabwean flag on his back at international stages. His commitment and focus soon began to pay off.
Over the years, he has represented Zimbabwe at regional and continental competitions, earning medals and recognition that reflect his growing prowess in the sport.
A Trail of Achievements
In 2022, he claimed bronze medals at both the Region 5 Youth Games in Malawi and the Hallelujah Games in South Africa.
The following year, he went a step further, winning gold at the Next Generation Big 5 Tournament in Eswatini before representing the country at the Africa Taekwondo Championships in Côte d’Ivoire.
His progress continued through 2024 and 2025 where he participated in major tournaments including the MUJU Grand Prix in South Korea and the Africa Open Series in Mozambique.
Most recently, Nathanael made history at the World Taekwondo Championships in China (24–30 October 2025) — becoming the first Zimbabwean to win a match at that global level.
The Struggles Behind the Success
Despite these remarkable feats, Nathanael’s journey has not been easy. Training facilities in Zvishavane are limited and he often travels to Kwekwe just to receive proper coaching, an arrangement that drains both time and money.
His participation in international events has largely depended on personal sacrifices and community support.
Due to a lack of consistent coaching and training resources, Nathanael sometimes competes against athletes who have the advantage of full-time professional support yet he continues to hold his own, showing true Zimbabwean spirit.
More Than an Athlete
Nathanael’s story is one of youth empowerment and national pride. His achievements inspire many young Zimbabweans who dream of excelling beyond their circumstances. Supporting him is not just about funding one athlete, it’s about investing in a new generation of resilient Zimbabwean sportsmen and women.
Sponsors and partners will receive recognition through branding on Nathanael’s competition gear, public mentions at events and social media features highlighting their contribution to his journey.
A Dream Worth Fighting For
As Nathanael looks ahead to future tournaments, he carries with him the hope of a nation that believes in his potential. With the right support, he can continue flying the Zimbabwean flag high and proving that dreams, no matter how distant can be achieved through hard work and consistency.
“When I step onto the mat, I’m not just fighting for myself I’m fighting for Zimbabwe,” says Nathanael.
Below are his contact details for those who wish to help him achieve his dream.
📞 Contact:
Name: Nathanael Brown’s Mom
Phone: 0772982499
