Local karatekas dominate the third Grand Prix tournament
Syanda Nzimande knocked out Dlamini in less than 40 seconds in the first bout after he kicked him with a knee on the stomach area.
World Fighting Kyokushin Organization (WFKO) from Russia partnered with the African Full Contact Karate Organization (AFCKO) from Thokoza to host the third Grand Prix 2022 Tournament (GPT) at Mandeville Sports Centre in Bezuidenhout Valley on November 5.
The GPT hosted karatekas from various parts of KwaZulu-Natal and Katlehong.
The tournament executive committee included tournament director Shaun Burgess, coordinator Sherilyn Faill, main card selector Thulani Sibisi of Afcko, head official Dylan van Wyk and fifth dan tournament director kyoshi Shaun Burgess.
According to the founder of Afcko sensei Sibisi, the rules note that karatekas have to fight for five rounds for two minutes each round and a 60 seconds break.
Bongani Mkwanazi from Abram Hlope Dojo at Ext six, Katlehong who trains under the leadership of sensei Mkhombiseni Manyathi fought against Zwelihle Ndlovu from Umgababa, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), in the U70kg weight category.
Mkwanazi won by technical knockout (TKO) in the third bout.
The second fight in the U80kg weight category saw Sbongiseni Hlongwane from Umlazi, KZN take on Khaya Masuku from Katlehong. Masuku won the bout in the second round by TKO.
Syanda Nzimande from Katlehong also won in the U95kg against Velile Dlamini from Eshowe, KZN.
He knocked out Dlamini in less than 40 seconds in the first bout after he kicked him with a knee in the stomach area.
“My opponent was fit, but I knocked him out in the first bout. I think I was too prepared for him because I trained twice a day – in the morning and afternoons even during the weekend,” said Nzimande.
Mkwanazi said it was exciting to take part in the tournament, citing that they usually pay to showcase their Kyokushin skills in fights. However, this time they were honoured and compensated to fight.
“It was a thrilling and most humbling moment to experience. We need more initiatives in karate sports where fighters are compensated or honoured just like in any other sports,” said Mkwanazi
“Regarding the team’s success, it still feels surreal because no one ever gets used to winning or losing,” he continued.
“However, we were not surprised about the win because we worked hard, based on our strategies and the implementation of those strategies. This success is not only exciting, but it encouraging to everyone in our team, particularly the upcoming champions.”
Sibisi said Afcko is very impressed with the karatekas’ performance.
“I hope we can get a sponsor next year to help us raise funds to compete internationally because they are ready for the international stage,” Sibisi.
All participants received goodie bags, while the tournament winners walked away with a belt, a memorial shield and a cash prize of R2 000.
Upcoming tournament
The karatekas will start preparing for the Shin Kyokushin Tournament Matlosana on March 4, 2023, and the Afcko Tournament on May 27, 2023.
