THREE Tanzanian judokas will travel to South Africa next week to compete in this year’s edition of the Africa Open Championships.

According to the Secretary General of the Judo Association of Tanzania (JATA), Innocent Mallya, all preparations are complete, and the team is scheduled to depart next Thursday. 

He named the judokas who will represent the country along with their weight categories: Thomas Mwenda (66kg), Hamad Magogo (60kg), and Raphael Daudi (73kg).

The team will be led by head coach Omari Mgowe, while Zaidi Hamisi will serve as the head of the delegation. Mallya also expressed gratitude to the government, particularly the National Sports Council (NSC), for supporting the team’s trip to South Africa.

The three athletes were selected from a group of eight judokas who had been training at the Judo Training Center (Dojo) in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam. 

The full list of judokas who were in camp includes Raphael Daudi, Thomas Mwenda, Ahmed Magogo, Anangisye Pwele, Asiatu Juma, Rahim Kayaga, Musa Kagoma, and Abuu Mcheteko.

“The team will leave the country next Thursday. The championships are scheduled to take place from June 26 to 29. Our delegation comprises three athletes and two officials. 

“The training camp in Kurasini has been productive, and we are optimistic about our performance in the tournament. We sincerely thank the government, through the NSC, for its continued support,” Mallya said.

Last year, Tanzania was represented at the Paris Olympics by Andrew Mlunge, who competed under a Universality ticket. 

He was defeated 10-0 by French judoka Joan Benjamin Gala.