As a child, Zura Mushambokazi loved sports and dream of becoming a movie star in the action genre – largely inspired by movies she watched.
But, her dream was bigger than that. The 29-year-old also wanted to be a fighter who would be able to defend herself and those she loved in case there was a need to.
Despite not affording to join university, Mushambokazi is living her dream. Since joining taekwondo in 2008, she rose in ranks from a rookie starter to the most prominent woman in the sport in the country.
Speaking to Weekend Sport on Wednesday, she praised taekwondo for changing her life.
"Learning the various aspects of taekwondo and perfecting them involves goal setting. This taught me not only to set goals in the game, but also in my life.”
In order to meet such goals, she noted, one has to use self-discipline and has become part of her life. "Nothing in life is easy and every goal requires a whole lot of discipline to accomplish.”
Making strides
After years as a top taekwondo athlete and representing the country in various international competitions, and winning several medals on local and regional scenes, Mushambokazi was in 2019 appointed as the head coach of the women’s national taekwondo team.
The Black Belt-third Dan holder is the first woman to hold the position since taekwondo became a national sport in 2011.
At the moment, she is also coaching Parfait Hakizimana from Mahama Refugee camp who has secured a ticket to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games due from July 23 to August 8 in Japan.
"The pride of being the first woman for this job in the Olympic Games is something anyone would celebrate. This has made me realise that as women, with enough support, there is nothing we can’t achieve in life. The potential is there,” she said.
According to Boniface Mbonigaba, Mushambokazi’s Master, there is still a long way to go when it comes to women in sports, particularly in the martial arts
"There is a misconception that women are made to do easy work, and that something that requires energy and strength is meant for men. Unfortunately, it has kept off many girls and women from joining competitive sports, especially martial art,” he said.
However, he noted that it’s encouraging to see young talents such as Mushambokazi defying odds and not only making it in the game but also being able to be appointed to train others.
Besides, Mbonigaba added that through such games, it’s where young women get an opportunity to explore and learn many essential life skills for their personal growth.
The future
When it comes to Taekwondo, Mushambokazi emphasises that the sport has shaped her in many ways and, most importantly, enabled her to discover her full potential as a woman.
"The most important thing I have gained in this game is that it has taught me about self-esteem and how it is important for me as a woman. Taekwondo has made me strong.”
Additionally, the sport has earned her financial independence, helped her to educate her sibling, and she also plans to go to school.
Before the Covid-19 struck, Mushambokazi owned a taekwondo academy, but it has since closed due to preventive measures. She hopes to reopen it when the situation gets better.
Zura Mushambokazi, 29, is a former national champion and has represented the country in several international competitions. / Photo: Courtesy