Katlehong’s Shorin Kempo Karate Club had 12 members competing in the Matshushima Kyokushin Karate Tournament, in Swaziland, on November 28.
“There were 400 participants from South Africa, Zimbabwe and Swaziland,” said the local club’s head coach, Thulane Sibisi.
“Though the tournament was well organised, it was also a highly competitive and challenging one.
“Swaziland had a very strong team.”
Sibisi said he is very proud of his team and their performance.
“Although not all our members took podium positions, all of them gave their all and applied what they were taught,” he explained.
“Two of our karatekas, Mbali Msomi and Rethabile Tshabalala, produced impressive results.
“Msomi placed first in the women’s open division, while Tshabalala placed first in the men’s 70kg division.
“Tshabalala also received the Best Fighter of the Tournament trophy.
“These results are humbling and encouraging; we are very proud of all the members who attended the tournament; they raised our flag high.
“We managed to conclude the year’s events on a high note.”
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