South Africans shine at AFCKO tournament in Zimbabwe
African Full Contact Karate Organisation (AFCKO) karatekas represented South Africa with pride at the Sokyokushin International karate tournament at the Chitingwiza Sports Complex in Zimbabwe, on July 22.
Twelve delegates from three different karate styles, including Kyokushinkai Karate Federation South Africa, Kyokushinkan Karate and Iko-Matshushima fom KZN participated.
Thulane Sibisi of Katlehong Dojo was excited about the AFCKO karatekas’ performance.
“It shows that South African players are improving. Looking at the results you can see that those who did not win, lost by a small margin,” said Sibisi.
He said the SA players made him proud.
“The tournament was very tough. Our opponents were tough while our players were more tactical,” said Sibisi.
He said the tournament was well organised.
Senseis from different dojos made it to the trip. They were:
*Vusi Mtshali team manager (was one of the officials)
*Sensei Mabhiyoza Nene
*Sensei Sipho Magwaza
*Sensei Andile Mvumvu
*Sensei Thulane Sibis (coach)
*Sensei Mkhombiseni Manyathi (athlete)
*Lebohang Motsoeneng (black belt, first den)
*Sensei Katleho Hlatshwayo
*Sempai Pricilla Mlonyeni
*Sempai Keitumetsi Madiba and
*Celimpilo Tshabalala
The winners were:
Man u-60kg
*Position 2 Lebohang Motsoeneng (Kyokushinkan)
*Position 3 Katleho Hlatshwayo (IKKF) from Katlehong
*Position 4 Keitumetsi Madiba (IKKF) from Katlehong
*Position was from from North West
Man u-67kg
Position 4 Mkhombiseni Madiba (Kyokushinkan Karate)
The tournament was well attended by karatekas from the following countries: Japan, Chile, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi, Iran and Zimbabwe as the tournament hosts.
