Two promising karate learners from Ikageng, Sipho Tsamba and Tshepang Olifant are currently showing off their skills and dedication at a national level.

According to Sensei Mamokete Moleme of the Ikageng-based IKO Matsushima Karate Club, these two students have performed at various championships.

‘Sipho (12) currently has an orange belt and participated in the Soweto tournament last month. Unfortunately, he got knocked out in the quarter-final round. He has a year’s experience in karate and is a passionate, well-disciplined child,’ he enthused.

‘Tshepang is a Gr. 12 learner at Tlokwe Secondary School and currently has a blue belt. He has participated in various tournaments and was also selected for the Durban IKO Matsushima tournament. Sadly, he could not attend because of insufficient funds.’

According to Moleme, karate fundis can diarise 8 September, when the IKO Matsushima North West tournament takes place at the Govan Mbeki Hall. There will be two divisions – junior and senior – with different weight categories from u.30 to u.70 and open divisions.

‘Teams from Bothaville, Pretoria, Soweto, Katlehong, Klerksdorp, Ventersdorp, among others, will compete in this tournament. The aim is to promote and develop karate in our township in an effort to eradicate crime and substance abuses. We want to give the youth self-esteem and teach them self-discipline.’For more enquiries, contact Mamokete Moleme at 072 596 3734.