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MMA star shreds Mnangagwa, blames 'scarf' for 28 seconds defeat
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Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter Themba "The Answer" Gorimbo has openly criticized President Emmerson Mnangagwa, accusing his administration of corruption and oppressive governance. Gorimbo's outspoken remarks come amid growing frustrations over political and economic conditions in Zimbabwe.
In a series of now-deleted social media posts, Gorimbo recounted his encounter with President Mnangagwa in 2021 when he was the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) heavyweight champion. He alleged that those close to the president demanded bribes in exchange for facilitating the meeting at State House.
"I left Zimbabwe in 2009 for South Africa. I have never worked in Zimbabwe once. Ndakaita garden boy ku Cape Town (I did gardening work in Cape Town, I did not steal from the McMillan family) and worked hard in my sport. I pushed myself until I became champion. Then they said I should go see the leader of the country after seeing my pictures. I went face to face, and he wanted something (a bribe)," Gorimbo claimed.
Gorimbo blamed the meeting with President Mnangagwa for subsequent setbacks in his fighting career. He revealed he suffered a shoulder dislocation just 28 seconds into his next fight and suggested that from that moment, he became a target of political vendettas.
He accused the president's associates of wielding power with "blood on their hands" while ordinary citizens struggle. Gorimbo also dismissed narratives blaming his difficulties on personal failures or deceit, emphasizing the heavy toll of political interference.
The fighter has a history of challenging government officials. He previously clashed with former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Kirsty Coventry after she refused his request to feature the Zimbabwean national flag on his fighting kit. Gorimbo branded Coventry the worst Sports Minister Zimbabwe has ever had.
President Mnangagwa has now become the latest figure in Gorimbo's crosshairs, particularly after the recent inauguration of the US$88 million Trabablas Interchange. Gorimbo mocked the ceremony, questioning the necessity of holding official openings for minor infrastructure projects such as roundabouts.
"Imagine meeting people face to face saying ‘roundabout this, roundabout that,' even holding an official ceremony, flying helicopters, and wasting state funds just to open a roundabout. In South Africa, would the president fly to Pretoria just to open a road?" he tweeted.
Gorimbo's candid criticisms highlight the frustrations of many Zimbabweans who feel disenfranchised and disillusioned by the country's leadership and governance. Whether his comments will spark further debate or government response remains to be seen.
In a series of now-deleted social media posts, Gorimbo recounted his encounter with President Mnangagwa in 2021 when he was the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) heavyweight champion. He alleged that those close to the president demanded bribes in exchange for facilitating the meeting at State House.
"I left Zimbabwe in 2009 for South Africa. I have never worked in Zimbabwe once. Ndakaita garden boy ku Cape Town (I did gardening work in Cape Town, I did not steal from the McMillan family) and worked hard in my sport. I pushed myself until I became champion. Then they said I should go see the leader of the country after seeing my pictures. I went face to face, and he wanted something (a bribe)," Gorimbo claimed.
Gorimbo blamed the meeting with President Mnangagwa for subsequent setbacks in his fighting career. He revealed he suffered a shoulder dislocation just 28 seconds into his next fight and suggested that from that moment, he became a target of political vendettas.
He accused the president's associates of wielding power with "blood on their hands" while ordinary citizens struggle. Gorimbo also dismissed narratives blaming his difficulties on personal failures or deceit, emphasizing the heavy toll of political interference.
The fighter has a history of challenging government officials. He previously clashed with former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Kirsty Coventry after she refused his request to feature the Zimbabwean national flag on his fighting kit. Gorimbo branded Coventry the worst Sports Minister Zimbabwe has ever had.
President Mnangagwa has now become the latest figure in Gorimbo's crosshairs, particularly after the recent inauguration of the US$88 million Trabablas Interchange. Gorimbo mocked the ceremony, questioning the necessity of holding official openings for minor infrastructure projects such as roundabouts.
"Imagine meeting people face to face saying ‘roundabout this, roundabout that,' even holding an official ceremony, flying helicopters, and wasting state funds just to open a roundabout. In South Africa, would the president fly to Pretoria just to open a road?" he tweeted.
Gorimbo's candid criticisms highlight the frustrations of many Zimbabweans who feel disenfranchised and disillusioned by the country's leadership and governance. Whether his comments will spark further debate or government response remains to be seen.
Source - NewZimbabwe
