Rwanda’s pair of Slyvestre Twajamahoro and Rehema Kabera defied odds to win two bronze medals in the on-going 14th African Karate Championships in Morocco.According to National Karate federation technical director, Guy Rurangayire, Twajamahoro won bronze in the men’s Kata individual category, while Kabera secured her medal in the women’s Kumite individual category.Meanwhile, it was good news for Rwandan karate after Dieudonne Mwizerwa successfully passed Judges’ examination in the grades of; Judge B -Kata and Judge B -Kumite. He is the only one in the region.The team continues their quest for more medals in the team category which starts today.Rurangayire said yesterday, “We only managed to secure two bronze medals in the individual category but all in all it has been a good tournament for us despite our lack of experience.”“The players are giving their best but you can see that the lack of experience at this level has worked against them. Nonetheless, we expect more medals in the team category this week,” added Ruranganyire.Rwanda is represented by 11 players in the continental championship in both Kata and Kumite categories.The championship has attracted teams from South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Kenya, Uganda, hosts Morocco, among others.Two years ago, Rwanda finished 15th out of 23 countries but with early and better preparations, the country hopes to improve on its performance, according to Ruranganyire.Rwanda Team:Individuals: Jean Paul Shyirambere (Under 60kg), Eric Karegire (Under 67kg), Vincent Kamanzi (Under 75kg), Jean Pierre Kamanzi (Under 84kg), Christian Rurangayire (Over 84kg)Men’s Kata team: Sylvestre Twajamahoro, Didier Gaga Rukorera, Ismael NshimiyimanaWomen’s Kumite team; Marie Claire Mukagakwerere (Under 60kg), Rehema Kabera (Under 50kg) and Razia Uwase (Under 65kg)
