The African Full Contact Karate Organisation (AFCKO) will host the seventh annual karate tournament at Thokoza’s auditorium hall on May 28.
The tournament will host clubs from all over Africa, as it will also serve as a section tournament to select karatekas who will represent Africa internationally.
Founder and president of AFCKO Thulani Sibisi (48) said the tournament has produced a world champion who was selected in 2021 to take part in Moscow, Russia.
“This tournament brings the best of the best in Africa. We select the most technical and strong fighter to represent Africa in international events,” said Sibisi.
“It is a selection tournament on it is own. If we believe you can do wonders around the world, we can ask Britain to send us an invitation in your division.
“We then raise funds for the individual to go international to represent Africa.”
Sibisi explained this is a prestigious tournament because they often get clubs from all nine provinces and the African continent coming to Thokoza.
Last year, they had Switzerland, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Malawi taking part in the event.
“This is a platform we decided to use to give opportunities to students who will never go international, and we are organising it in an international standard.
“We know that most of the students may not afford to fly to Japan, China and England.”
AFCKO is looking for sponsorship from local business people.
“We have written a proposal to different companies for prize sponsorship for the tournament. The prizes are for positions one, two and three.
Prizes for the tournament
The prizes are four-pillar trophies for karate and the bragging right of being a champion of full-contact karate in Africa.
The challenge fight
According to Sibisi, every year during their annual tournaments, they host the challenge fight where the tournament is paused and two athletes challenge each other.
He said this year, they have selected green belt holder Vunene Baloyi of AFCKO and brown belt holder Lebogang Nape of Abram Hlophe Dojo who both weigh under 45kg.
The two women will challenge each other for three rounds for two minutes each round.
For more information or to contribute towards the tournament, contact Sibisi on 083 599 5916.
