POLOKWANE – History was made on August 11 as 56 fencers from the Limpopo Fencing Association (LFA) competed in the junior and senior National Fencing Championships in Cape Town, marking the largest national competition in recent years.
A significant milestone was achieved with the inclusion of 55 fencers of colour, the largest number of participants of colour in South Africa’s fencing history.
This achievement was made possible through the support of the Department of Sport, which sponsored accommodation and meals for 36 participants from the E Tla Našo project in Mankweng.
The Limpopo Sport Confederation sponsored transportation to Cape Town, while the department provided the team of 62 members with Limpopo-branded apparel.
The LFA team brought home an impressive haul of 10 medals. In the senior men’s epee category, Rahul van Manen, Phetho Mashiane, Joseph Maluleke, and Sebastian Austin each won silver medals.
Jonathan Mathete from the Ditlalemeso Fencing Club secured a bronze medal, marking a significant win for the E Tla Našo project.
Jonathan’s achievement is particularly noteworthy as it was only his second national competition – he reached the quarter-finals in his first and achieved a medal in this one, showcasing his potential and the promise of the project.
Amaani Tayob’s performance also stood out, with a bronze in the u/13 and a silver in the u/15 epee categories.
“Amaani is one of the rising stars in her age category, and we look forward to her continued growth and development in fencing,” said coach Joseph Maluleke.
In addition to the medalists, 14 fencers from Limpopo achieved top 10 final placements, further solidifying the region’s status as a powerhouse in South African fencing.
Notable placements included Simon Letsoalo from Ditlalemeso, who ranked ninth in the u/20 men’s epee, and Kgothatjo Ramaboea from the Sello Maduma Fencing Club, who placed fifth in the u/15 men’s epee.
Alinah Ramoshai from the Hwiti Fencing Club secured eighth place in the u/13 epee, while Machanana Mangwane from Ditlalemeso finished 10th in the u/17 women’s epee category.
Phetho Mashiane from the University of Limpopo Fencing Club earned an eighth place in the senior men’s epee.
The event was capped by a double gold victory from Rahul van Manen, who completed his junior career as the national champion in both epee and foil, making him the number one ranked junior fencer in South Africa in both categories.
”We couldn’t have scripted a better ending to his junior years,” remarked Maduma. “Rahul has dominated consistently since 2019, winning medals in every competition and making the national team for all international competitions.”
Coach Maluleke added, “We thank Rahul for bringing glory to Limpopo over the years. As he transitions to a full senior fencer in September 2024, we wish him continued success.”
Limpopo Fencing Association Chairperson Renuka Ramroop praised the team for their success: “The Limpopo team’s performance at the nationals is an enormous success story that has cemented Limpopo as one of the major players in national fencing. We brought the numbers, reached the podium, and looked fantastic in our team apparel. With continued national attendance, we are confident that more of our fencers will climb the rankings and become strong contenders for the national team.”
