The Zimbabwe Judo Association (ZJA) is proudly celebrating a brilliant performance by Team Zimbabwe at the Southern Africa Judo Championships, which took place from 4–5 April 2026 in Lusaka, Zambia. Competing against some of the most formidable athletes in the region, the national team secured an impressive third-place finish overall.
The team brought home a total of eight medals, consisting of one gold, four silver, and three bronze. Charmaine Mumbiro led the way by claiming gold in the Senior Women category. Silver medals were earned by Sasha Edith Chamhumha, Gandanhama Tichaona Tsepang, Trust Nhemachena, and Brian Chiminya. The bronze medal winners included Denzel Shumba, Preside Msiyiwa, and Trish Rufaro Mtewa.
Sensei Moses Mutende, the President of the Zimbabwe Judo Association, expressed his deep gratitude for the support that made this successful campaign possible. He stated, “Our athletes’ success would not have been possible without the unwavering backing of the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee, Coral Soft, and all our supporters. Their contributions ensured our cadet and senior teams had every opportunity to compete at the highest level.”
The team also received significant diplomatic support from the Zimbabwe Embassy in Zambia. Her Excellency Ambassador Charity Charamba and her team provided vital encouragement during the tournament. Additionally, the association expressed its appreciation to Ambassador Chidziwa, who served as the Team Advisor, for his expert guidance throughout the event.
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Team captain Trust Nhemachena highlighted the strong culture and camaraderie that exists within the squad. He explained, “As a team captain, my role is to make sure that each athlete is on top of their game and also be present in the mind and physically. We are building a culture that is strong, supporting each other all the way. Even though judo is an individual sport, you feel the backing of your team as you step on the mat and represent your nation.”
The championships demonstrated Zimbabwe’s competitive edge across all divisions, with many athletes consistently reaching the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals. While the team showed great skill in attacking judo, the association identified specific areas for future growth, such as match management, grip control, and execution under pressure. Improving these technical aspects will be key to converting more opportunities into gold medals in the future.
The Zimbabwe Judo Association also acknowledged the essential contributions of parents, staff, and supporters who kept the athletes motivated. Regarding an injury that occurred during the tournament, the association confirmed that the athlete received immediate medical attention and is currently in a stable condition.
Looking ahead, Zimbabwe is focused on maintaining its momentum as a regional powerhouse. Trust Nhemachena added, “Everyone looks forward to the next training session in camp. There is a lot of technical work and an atmosphere of confidence and unity. Every team member knows the pride of wearing the nation’s colors and the responsibility to make the nation and their families proud.”
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