Duduza – Tshepang Phadime (14) defied all odds when he competed against fighters from Zimbabwe and all South African provinces and won trophies in the 11th Matlosana Karate Cup, which took place on March 4 and 5 at the Banquet Hall in Klerksdorp
Phadime made a name for himself at the tournament as he could not let the opportunity pass him because he couldn’t afford accommodation, transport and fighting fees.
He approached his ward councillor, who funded his trip and accommodation and got the rest of the funds from a community member.
“All I had was the will to compete in the biggest full-contact karate competition in the country to prove to myself that I’m the best fighter.
“It all materialised when I won the best of the best fighter award in the division I competed,” said Phadime.
As he was on the way to Northwest, he realised fighters from his age group were already contesting while he was leaving Duduza, which meant his trip may be in vain, but he continued.
“When I got to Matlosana, they told me I couldn’t take part because my division had already competed.
“Because of my age, the event organiser refused to let me compete in the senior division, saying he cannot let me, as a beginner, fight with old and experienced fighters.
“Fortunately, other instructors told him how I got there and about the will, I had to fight regardless of any division. Only then he allowed me to compete,” said Phadime.
ALSO READ: Lebogang Martial Arts and Sports Academy karatekas graduate
David Mashiya, a karate instructor from Tsakani who was at the tournament said, “Due to Phadime’s fighting skills and determination to win, he earned the respect of everyone watching his fights and the spectators supported him while in the ring as if he was with his dojo from Duduza.”
“As Duduza Sonoda Karate Organization, we are proud of Phadime for having represented our dojo well at the tournament where he won trophies for third place in the division he fought in and for best of the best fighter of the tournament.
“We also appreciate the individuals who supported him financially to achieve his mission of competing in the fiercest tournament in the country,” said Phadime’s trainer, Julius Radebe.
The dojo in Duduza is open for anyone above 6 years. They train from 17:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Thursday at the library. For more information, contact Radebe at 081 747 7132.
