By GRACE CHAILE –

ZAMBIA has stepped up preparations for the fourth Gaborone Karate Open Championships slated for March 15 in Botswana.
Zambia Martial Arts Association (ZaMAA) spokesperson, Hanif Moonga said preparations were going on well and that the final team would be picked next weekend.
After watching a training session yesterday at Italian School of Lusaka,  Moonga said all the karatekas in the provisional squad had tremendously improved and that ZAMAA would have a tough time in making the team.
“I must say all the karatekas are in shape and improved technically. We are impressed with the attendance and endurance during training,” he said.
Moonga said once the final team of seven karatekas was picked, training would be intensified to ensure Zambia hauled maximum medals from the championships.
He said the team was scheduled to leave two days before the event to enable karatekas acclimatise in time for the tournament.
The provisional squad has Dalitso Daka, Namata Sikopo, Annette Mphundu, Patrick Kunda, Ceaser Moonga, Justina Demena and George Kunda of Mikango with Mighty Conquerors contributing Chola Chola  Lukwesa Chola Amos Banda and  Chisha Chola.
Also in the team are Enock Chabala, Richard Malunga, Zondani Banda, Kenny Musonda, Dewin Tete, Ramoon Moomba, Jane Zulu, Charles Phiri,Dewin Tete,Redson Hang’andu, Leonard Chabu, Kampamba Mwape and Kampamba Mwape all from Green Buffaloes.
The rest are Lukamatano’s Mukuma Mulota, Ngwane Mwandila,Ricky Passmore, Gift Munthari and Chomba Mwandila while Micheal Mwansa, Charles Zulu, Danny Sinyangwe, Marvin Phiri, and Zakaro Simukoko are from Kamuchanga.