Tsakane athletes stand out
Tsakane – Six local karate students gave great performances when they competed at the Len Barnes Memorial Tournament, in Durban, recently.
The athletes from the Tsakane Kyokushinkan Club who participated in the annual event included Mpho Mokoena (15), Ntokozo Ngubane (14) and Mathapelo Sibeko (14).
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In addition, Thulani Nkambule (27), Mpho Mofokeng (15) and Ndinga Ndjongo (14) took part.
“This event is normally conducted annually in Cape Town, for Kyokushinkan,” says sensei Linda Ngubane.
“Those who were selected to go and compete qualified at previous tournaments we attended.
“I am happy and proud of the way they performed at the continental competition, as it was tough and challenged them.”
Ngubane adds that this was the first time five of the youngsters had attended such an event, as only one of the team went along last year.
In the girls’ section, Sibeko finished third and Mokoena was placed second, after fighting in the junior level u-60kg division.
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Ngubane took second place in the junior level, u-55kg division.
On the boys’ front, Nkambule, who fought in the senior level u-70kg division, placed fourth, as did Mofokeng, in the junior level u-70kg division.
Ndjongo competed in the junior level u-35kg division, and he also took fourth place.
“This is the greatest achievement for the club this year and, next year, I am looking at getting a champion from this group,” Ngubane says.
“The one major challenge we continue to face, however, is a lack of sponsorship to attend such events, which means I must pop out money to try to help the athletes who are already exercising for free.
“Our appeal is to any local businesses to at least assist us with transportation, accommodation and fees for competing.”
Athletes Mokoena and Ngubane say: “The competition was nice and we enjoyed it.
“It was challenging as some of our opponents were stronger and more experienced than us, but we learned a lot.”
Nkambule says that although it was a tough competition, he is really proud of himself as this was the first time he had attended such a competition.
“At least now I know what to work on to improve for next year,” he says.
