AFCKO to hold selection tournaments

Karate will be part of the 2020 Olympics in Japan, but not all karatekas will get an opportunity to represent South Africa at the games.

African Full Contact Karate Organisation (AFCKO) will be hosting its own AFCKO 2020 Olympics junior tournament on May 23, 2020, at the Thokoza Sam Ntuli Hall.

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“The organisation will host a series of junior tournaments as a build-up to the Olympics for the students to feel the vibe,” says Thulane Sibisi, AFCKO founder.

One of the students who is looking forward to participating in the AFCKO 2020 Olympics is Pontsho Nkopane, a Grade Nine learner from Mpontsheng Secondary School.

Nkopane started practising karate in 2016.

More than 65 karate students from across the metro attended a selection tournament on September 7 in Sebokeng Zone 14 at the Saul Tsotetsi Sports Complex.

Nkopane did well by winning her division, dominating her opponents with a strong kick (chudan mawashi geri).

Nkopane was so happy after the presentation of awards.

“The preparations were not easy as I had to balance the training and the school work, but with sacrifices I did. I trained over weekends and changed my diet in order to maintain my weight, and I ended up succeeding,” said Nkopane.

Winners in the Kata Competition white to orange belt are:

1. Ofentse Ntsonde from Kyokushinkan

2. Kamohelo Khanyi from Kyokushinkan

3. Koketso Diphile from Kyokushinkan

Winners in the Kata Competition green to brown belt are:

1. Siyabonga Pitso from IKKF

2. Lidith Marapane from Kyokushinkan

3. Lillian Mananyetjo from IKKF

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Nkopane dedicated her win of the ladies’ open division to her family, teammates and the instructors who are committed to the sports of karate. She said she’s looking forward to the next tournament in Zakhariya Park, which will be an AFCKO Junior Selection Tournament.

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