Karate students receive much-deserved accolades

African Full Contact Karate Organisation (AFCKO) students were recognised for their commitment and consistency during the 2022 Thabiso Tenyane Karate Awards ceremony, held at Mpontsheng Secondary School, Katlehong, on December 13.

The event saw support from other dojos from Gauteng including the Thokoza Karate Club under the leadership of sensei Mbali Msomi, Tembisa Karate Club and Mamelodi Karate Club.

At least 14 karate students were promoted to the next level as they received new belts, while seven other students received special awards.

The event kickstarted with words of motivation from the founder of AFCKO sensei Thulani Sibisi, who encouraged learners to remain disciplined.

“When you commit yourself you have to do so fully in everything you do. You cannot skip training because of the weather. What we do here is part of preparing you because one day you will grow up and work, requiring you to wake up whether the weather is favourable or not.

“To those who committed themselves to training from January 13 to now, we thank you. There is a difficult part of representing dojos at tournaments, as it is not easy because you have to train hard, believe in yourself and we need to convince yourself that you will overpower your opponent.”

Sibisi also thanked God for the protection throughout the year as he explained that they travelled safely to various countries to compete.

AFCKO special awards winners in 2022 were:

• Kopano Maphanga received an award for being the most disciplined student.

• The best student award went to Khensani Baloyi, as well as a shopping voucher worth R500.

• Nonhle Sbeko was awarded the best newcomer.

• Vunene Baloyi received the best junior instructor title.

• Ntlaki Motaung received an award for being the best kata student.

• Phulani Dlamini was awarded as the neatest student.

• Olwethu Mbiko received the best supportive student award.

Nonhle Sibeko, Lesedi Maseko, Phumlane Dhlamini, Phumlane Buthelezi, Olthile Dhamini, Tokolo Mangaui, and Tokoloho Sondezi were promoted from white to orange belts.

Lesedi Mazibuko, Olwethu Mbiko, Kopano Maphanga and Katleho Maphanga were promoted from orange to first blue belts.

Thabo Ndlovu was promoted from the second yellow to the first green belt.

Ntlakanipho Motaung was promoted from first green to second green belt, while Elvis Chasi received a green belt.
The most disciplined student Maphanga said he feels happy and deserving of the award.

“When you are disciplined a lot of people can trust you and makes it easy for you to trust them, as well because that will be the relationship you would have established with them.”

Baloyi, who won the most prestigious accolade for best student of the year, said the award means a lot to her. She said that she will not be competing in 2023.

“I feel delighted and excited, however, I will be taking a break next year to focus on my matric. I intend to return in 2024,” said Baloyi.

Bathabile Njane from TKC said it is vital to have karate awards because it inspires more students to be active and learn about it.

“It is not all about fights, but more about what we benefit, like self-defence, discipline, sharing and love.

“What I love about this event is that sensei Sibisi honours and loves everyone. He treats us as his children and that creates a good relationship among dojos,” said Njane.

Elvis Chasi from MKC expressed the same sentiments, citing that at times training throughout the year can be difficult due to personal challenges. It is very fulfilling when you are rewarded at the end of the year.