Harare — ZIMBABWE is set to host the Zone Six Karate Championships at the end of this month at the City Sports Centre.

The one-day event has been pencilled for May 29 and is expected to attract participants from seven countries - Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

However, Angola are still to confirm their participation in the championships.

Zimbabwe Karate Union vice-president Colleta Mhishi said they were expecting over 1000 karatekas to take part in the event. Participants will battle it out in three categories -- juniors, cadets and seniors. "The games were supposed to be held in Namibia but we negotiated with the regional leadership for the tournament to come to Zimbabwe.

"This is going to put our country on the map. We are a force to reckon with because wherever we go we are bringing medals and now we are hosting the tournament," said Mhishi.

Mhishi said they have completed the selection of the team that is going to represent the country in the tournament.

"We have finished the selection of the team and participants are from all provinces and we started camping last Friday. "And we are going to field 160 karatekas including juniors and seniors for all categories," Mhishi said.

He, however, said their biggest threat in the tournament will be South Africa and Botswana but remained optimistic that the team will be up to the challenge.

"Generally South Africa and Botswana are the teams to beat. South Africa normally takes the trophy," said Mhishi.

Meanwhile the national association has put in place an organising committee led by Joe Rugwete who is the chairperson.

The other members are Morgan Flight, Zivanai Mazhambe, George Swarres and Paul Danisa who is coming in as the technical director of the team.