BRIDGET MABANDA
HARARE: The Zim Ninja duo made history by becoming the first African Kobudo team to win the World Martial Arts Championships in weapons and were crowned World Champions at the just-ended World Martial Arts Championships after collecting 11 medals leaving an impressive mark in England.
The team which was made up of two athletes, Wilfred Mashaya and Vincent Fambira won eight gold, two silver and one bronze medal.
Mashaya who was both the team’s coach and athlete said he was very much impressed by Fambira’s performance.
“Fambira made me a proud teacher and coach. Fambira was groomed by Zim Ninja and now he is among other Zim Ninja Academy Martial Artists who are doing well in the discipline,” he said.
Fambira won three gold, and one silver medal and he was crowned World Champion in 17 plus years of traditional weapons, World Champion in 17 plus years freestyle weapons and World Champion in 17 plus Years of creative weapons to earn him three individual gold medals.
Mashaya also said he was happy with the Zimbabwe team’s performance despite the various challenges they faced.
“It was a great honour representing Zimbabwe in a World Tournament against more than 15 countries from around the World.
“We did our best to win the tournament and it makes the nation proud. We give all the glory to the Almighty Lord; God is good all the time. We are here because of his endless grace and love. He is an Awesome God,” said Mashaya.
He thanked individuals and Zim Ninja Academy family members who contributed funds to make the trip possible.
Mashaya won three gold, one silver medal and was crowned world champion in Black Belt traditional weapons, World Champion in Black Belt freestyle weapons and World Champion in Black Belt extreme weapons to earn him three individual gold medals.
Mashaya said he believes in hard work, focus, humility and above all discipline to drive one to greater heights in sports.
The team which was also crowned Team World Champions in Traditional Weapons and Team World Champions in Creative Weapons is expected back in Zimbabwe tomorrow.
