Four local karateka’s to fight in Zimbabwe

The four are Lerato Mohanoe (14), Sammy Makhatha (14), Bongani Mokoena (15) and Madela Mokwayi (13). This was revealed to Sedibeng Ster Sport by Sensei Buti Maqabe, who will also be representing South Africa at the Karate World Cup in Japan in November.

Sensei Maqabe said the four youngsters were selected after their ‘FIVE STAR’ performance at the National Karate Tournament held at the Thokoza Editorial Hall in Thokoza recently. Bongani Mokoena was crowned the champion in the U/45 kg category, while Lerato Mohanoe was crowned the champion in the U/35 kg category.

Sammy Makhatha came second in the U/45 kg category and Madela Mokwayi finished third in the U/35 kg category. Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, the boys were still thrilled by the news that they will be flying to Zimbabwe. It will be the first time they leave the borders of South Africa.

“We are looking forward to fighting and coming home with medals and trophies. We want to thank Sensei Maqabe for training us so well. We managed to achieve this through hard work,” they told Sedibeng Ster Sport.

More good news is that these youngsters will also represent South Africa in the International Karate Tournament scheduled to take place in Swaziland in November. Sensei Maqabe said he is humbled by these four boys’ achievements.

“I have no doubt that they will make Sedibeng proud because we have been working very hard in preparation for these two significant tournaments. It is all about hard work and we will make history by bringing all the titles home come August,” he concluded.