Three Ballito teenagers have come back home with medals around their necks after competing in the karate zone six African Championships.
The tournament was hosted in Lusaka, Zambia this month and saw over 400 competitors battle it out.
The three Ashton pupils, Dzemil Muric, Priyanka Govender and Tyla Vilela represented South Africa in their respective weight and age groups.
Muric (15) and Govender (15) have been doing the sport for nine years while Vilela (14) has been practicing karate since she was just over three years old. The athletes practice everyday and travel to Tongaat, Red Hill and Westville to train.
Muric and Vilela have earned their national colours before but it was a first for Govender.
“I was nervous at first but I got the hang of it quite quickly,” said Govender.
Muric, who got his National colours in 2012 and 2013 was “happy to achieve it again”. Overall Muric and Vilela took home bronze medals while Govender claimed silver. All three fighters specialised in Shotokan Karate style.
“It is a huge accomplishment especially seeing as we have three national athletes from Ballito. Big areas like Cape Town usually only produce three,” said Carlos Vilela, CEO of Karate South Africa. Vilela was the tour leader and organiser for the KSA tour to Zambia
“There are a lot of people making a living from karate. These three are of a very serious calibre,” he added.
Tyla also believes more people should practice karate.
“They do not get the fact that it helps you, they do not see the self-defense and discipline side of it,” she said.
All three thanked their coaches and sensei for getting them to where they are.
“We owe everything to Kyoshi Sonny Pillay and Sensi Brando Pillay,” said Tyla.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here, or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
