From the dusty streets of Makhoso in Mtwalume, karate enthusiast Thembelihle Cele needs the public’s assistance to be able to compete at the 13th Kyokushinkaikan World Tournament to be held in Japan in November.
Cele was selected after participating in the Kyokushinkaikan South African Tournament in July, where she placed first in the women’s under 65kg category.
The karateka needs R57 000 to cover flights, accommodation, meals, fighting kit required by Japan and more.
“I need a valid passport that expires more than six months after November 2023, a Visa letter, digital photographs, Ichi Geki dogi (white karate suite) purchased in Japan, belt, mouth guard, women’s groin guard, women’s breast guard, shin pads, knee pads and gloves (everything must be IKO approved only),” said Cele.
She described karate as a way of life for her, saying that it’s not just a hobby.
She explained that she started the sport at the age of 11, saying that it teaches her self-discipline and respect.
Cele added that it keeps her from doing unnecessary things, while keeping her body fit, strong, and healthy.
“Above all, it teaches me self-defence. South Africa is currently facing a gender-based violence pandemic where most women are attacked and killed because they can’t protect themselves. It breaks my heart to see very few women taking part in sports that teaches self-defence, just because they think karate is only for men. It is a male-dominated sport, but it is for every gender and I would love to see more women joining and learning how to protect themselves,” she said.
Cele said she is proud to be selected for the tournament as it only happens every four years.
“I have made it to the selection team for the second time. I was previously selected in 2018 to represent the South African universities in Japan as I had participated in the University Sport South African games (USSA -Karate) where I also placed first in ladies under 55kg knock-down and clicker. I also received a special award as an overall ladies best fighter in the same USSA-karate games. I was the only female student that was selected which made me proud of my efforts. I have also represented Ugu Municipality twice where we were competed as a team for the South Africa Local Government Association (SALGA) games in 2014 and 2015. I am proud to say that we indeed raised the flag as we were placed second and first respectively,” she said, adding that anyone who would like to donate towards her trip to Japan, can email brigney74@gmail.com
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