The Kofukan South Africa team took part at the Gauteng Provincial Karate Championships which were held at the Orlando Communal Hall from February 17 to 18.
The tournament kicked off with a bang with all elite athletes taking part in Kata and Kumite.
It was an exciting moment for the karatekas from five districts of Gauteng who got together to battle it out in order to secure space in the upcoming Senior and Junior National Championships.
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“Our first athlete who successfully opened doors for the team was Marlene Visagie who scooped a gold medal for kumite and secured her spot in the nationals.
“Her results made our team excited and they were all motivated. Vernon Visagie followed suit as well in his Kata division and scooped a gold medal in the veterans division,” said sensei Thabo Molubi of Kofuka South Africa.
He added that their two senior athletes Awie Grobler and Gerhard Brits scooped bronze medals on their Kumite divisions.
“These were really impressive results as Gauteng is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to Karate in South Africa.
“Our junior athlete, Aidin Wylbacht, stood up to the competition and scooped a bronze medal for Kata and a bronze medal for Kumite.”
The toughest division was the Cadets 14 to 15 years old male and female divisions where they had five athletes taking part.
Serole Rangongo was the cream of the crop and a very impressive fighter. He managed to scoop a gold medal for Kumite, followed by his sister Holla Rangongo, who won a gold medal for Kumite.
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The Maduna twin sisters, Karabo and Karabelo also proved their skills again and rose to the occasion and finished off on a high.
“Karabo scooped a gold medal for Kumite and a bronze medal for Kata while Karabelo followed in her footsteps and won the same medals.
“As the championships commenced on Sunday, all development athletes took part on their respective divisions. Our young upcoming development athlete, Reinhart Goosen opened up a day for us by winning a gold medal for Kata and a silver medal for Kumite.
“Our dedicated twin brothers Andrew and Michael Colling stepped up to the plate, Andrew won a gold medal for Kata and a bronze medal for kumite. Michael won a bronze medal for Kata and a silver medal for Kumite.
“Our rising and promising development athlete, Katlego Maduna scooped a gold medal for Kumite and a silver medal for Kata.
“The day was wrapped up by Tanya Le Roux who managed to win a Gold medal for Kumite and another gold medal for Kata.”
In total the Kofukan South Africa team clinched 11 gold medals, four silver medals and eight bronze medals.
Those who are interested in joining the team can contact sensei Thabo Molubi on 079 921 3600
