Edenvale karateka awarded by Karate South Africa

Karate South Africa (KSA) presented Edenvale karateka Marinda Roetz with the senior sportswoman of the year 2024 award and her Protea colours at a KSA awards evening on July 20.

Additionally, she received a second trophy for competing in Ghana.

A beaming 22-year-old Roetz said she felt proud to receive the award.

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“I started karate at four years old and have been competing for the past 14 years,” she said.

She said the award is a testament to her hard training and effort.

“It is amazing. I was so proud.”

According to Roetz, there is much karate talent in SA.

“For me to receive this award out of all the talented people is an honour.”

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Roetz said when she stood on the stage, she felt grateful for her parents being at the awards ceremony.

“When I looked at them, I could see how proud they were, reminding me of how grateful I am to have them by my side supporting me.

“It was a special moment to have my parents and family there. It made me realise this award is not just mine but the families and everyone who stood by me.”

Roetz said she did not expect to receive the award.

“I was wondering who would receive the award this year,” she said.

“I know I had worked hard, but despite that, I never put the expectation on myself. I think it’s too much pressure and you are disappointed when you don’t get chosen. I put my faith in God and believed he would choose the correct person.”

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Roetz’s father, Michael Roetz, said she was up against senior women karatekas from across SA, from various styles and weight divisions.

With the award under her belt, Roetz has set her sights on winning in the Karate World Championships and African Karate Federation Championships.

“I have started training harder because I want to excel.”

She said she had accumulated several medals at karate events over the past three years.

“I used to doubt myself, but as I’ve competed, I realised I am capable of winning medals.

“I have won several third-place positions over the years, and it has built my confidence that if I can achieve a third-place position, I can get gold.”

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Besides excelling in karate, Roetz said she hopes to be a leader.

“I want to give hope to other karateka and make a difference by showing them it is possible to excel and that SA has talent on par with the international stage.”

She encourages up-and-coming karateka to do their best, keep training as hard as possible, and put in the time and effort to remain motivated.