Help Randfontein’s karate kid get to Dubai
A 12-year-old karateka from Greenhills is part of the national team to take part in the Asian Africa Cup in Dubai.
Randfontein’s very own Mpho Mooketsi has been selected to be part of the SA national karate team and is set to represent the country at the upcoming Asian Africa Cup in Dubai in September.
The 12-year-old obtained a bronze medal for kata and kumite at the Japan Karate Shoto Federation (JKS) South Africa national competition which was recently held at the Portuguese Hall in the South of Johannesburg.
The Randfontein Herald spoke to Mpho, who is in Grade Seven at Randfontein Primary School, to get a sense of what inspired him to take part in the sport.
“I used to follow the movie, Karate Kid, and that’s where my love of the sport started. I hope to promote self-discipline and inspire other teenagers to be active in sports and not get into naughty stuff. I also want to grow in the sport and hopefully become a coach or fitness instructor one day,” said Mpho.
He added that he is excited to have been selected to represent JKS SA in the Asian Africa Cup and hopes to rake in the medals.
The Herald also spoke to Joanne Pyle, also known as Sensei Jo, who said that she is thrilled about what Mpho has achieved. Sensei Jo is a 3rd Dan at JKS SA.
“I am extremely proud of this young man. He is a talented karateka who with continued training and support will reach the sky and beyond. My students are my passion. Randftontein Karate is a dojo where each student is assessed on their own merits and pace of development.
“As a whole, I believe that the exposure will help Randfontein Karate grow and hopefully put Randfontien on the map as a dojo of quality not quantity,” said Sensei Jo.
While this is good news for Mpho, he will need R32 000 to get to Dubai. Donations can be made directly into the JKS SA account and no money will be going towards Randfontein Karate, the student, or the parent directly.
Sensei Jo added that a sponsorship letter and team selection letter verifying all details can be made available upon request.
To get this or offer a helping hand, people are urged to contact Sensei Jo via email at rftnkarate@gmail.com or 064 546 5770
