SEVEN lead karatekers have departed for South Africa to represent Rwanda at this year’s 13th African karate championship which will climax August 8 in Cape Town.

The local karate federation has named six males players and one female player to lead the country’s hunt for silverware.

The team which left for the championship yesterday is composed of Mohammed Semakula, Patrick Bernard Banzemwabo, Haruna Sibomana, Vincent Munyeshaka, Omar Masudi, Slyvestre Twajamahoro and Olive Mukagatare.

The team will be managed by Coach Didier Guy Rurangayire and Theogene Uwayo who is the head of delegation.
Rurangayire, who is also the national technique director of the Karate federation, told Times Sport before the team’s departure that he expects a good performance from his team.

"They are been training strongly for the past two weeks and I expect a descent performance from them in the 3 day tournament.

"It is a tough competition that will be graced by many professionals but confidence is high in the team and we expect to get some medals,” Rurangayire said.

Karate South Africa, in conjunction with various karate associations from the Boland area and Western Province have vowed to host a successful Senior African Karate Championships.

On the eve of the championships, the City of Cape Town will host a Mayoral function to welcome various foreign teams to Cape Town.

Thirty African countries and four hundred (400) of Africa’s best karate athletes will participate in the event.

This event will also serve as practice for the athletes preparing to participate in the World Karate Championships to be held in Serbia later this year.

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