Superb Spartans taste success
These local fighters are keeping our town's name high.
Fighters from the Spartans Karate Dojo excelled again over the weekend of 19 April.
According to the public relations officer, Martin Venter, eight members attended the South African League 1 Championships at the Temple Military Base in Bloemfontein.
“The competition was stiff, especially as it was away in the Free State, and we had to battle their hometown advantage. Our members formed part of the Gauteng provincial team and represented the province,” says Venter.
Despite this, the Spartans performed exceptionally well, bringing back four gold, five silver, and six bronze medals.
Lerato Mohohlo won gold for kumite (fighting) in girls -42 kg and placed fifth for kata in the 12 to 13-year girls divisions.
Jody Jansen competed in the -54 kg girls kumite and team kumite events. She won silver and gold, respectively, and placed fifth for kata in the 14 to 15-year girls division.
Aiden Arendse competed in the -55 kg male kumite, team kata, and team kumite events. He scooped two bronze and a silver in the respective categories.
Juan-Drè Loots competed in the -75 kg male kumite, open kumite, and team kumite events, where he won gold, bronze, and gold, respectively.
Rochelle Seitz won silver for kumite in girls +52 kg while Dylan Venter won silver for kumite in boys -45 kg. Ewan Coerecius competed in the team kata and team kumite events, where he won bronze and silver, respectively, and placed fifth for the -68 kg male kumite division.
Meanwhile, Abhay Harriparsad competed in the -61 kg male kumite and team kata events. He won two bronze medals in those categories.
Gauteng Karate also placed first in the country and came out on top.
Sensei Enzo Pillay, the instructor of Spartans Karate, said they are looking forward to achieving success on the world stage soon.
“The students are extremely proud and happy to hold the community’s name high on the national stage,” Venter concluded.
