Dennis Ndlovu
Sports Reporter
The Zimbabwean martial arts fraternity is grappling with a double tragedy following the passing of Naison Masaka, a close confidant of the late karate legend Sensei Mugove \u201cMugo\u201d Muhambi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Masaka, 58, suffered a fatal stroke days after Muhambi died in a car accident on 17 May, leaving the community in collective grief.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Masaka and Muhambi shared a decades-long partnership, collaborating on karate initiatives and nationwide wellness programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their work profoundly impacted Zimbabwe\u2019s fitness and martial arts sectors, fostering discipline and health advocacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Masaka collapsed shortly after learning of Muhambi\u2019s sudden death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt never rains but pours. He had a stroke upon hearing the news,\u201d said a close associate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Former Norton MP Temba Mliswa, a schoolmate and collaborator, added:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is another painful loss. He was rushed to the hospital yesterday but couldn\u2019t pull through.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At Muhambi\u2019s burial in Epworth on Sunday, Minister of Sport, Recreation, Arts, and Culture Hon. Gen. (Rtd) Ambassador Anselem Nhamo Sanyatwe hailed the late sensei as a \u201csporting hero\u201d who elevated Zimbabwe\u2019s profile through karate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cFrom 2000 to 2013, he represented our nation with pride, winning numerous international medals,\u201d Sanyatwe stated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The dual deaths have sparked an outpouring of tributes, with plans underway for a joint memorial to honor their legacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis will celebrate their contributions and offer closure to those they inspired,\u201d a family representative revealed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Muhambi\u2019s accident and Masaka\u2019s subsequent passing underscore the fragility of life, yet their enduring impact remains undeniable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Colleagues describe the pair as \u201cpillars of perseverance,\u201d whose programs transformed lives in underserved communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The karate community has called for heightened support for wellness initiatives to cement their mentors\u2019 vision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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