Spartans karateka taste success at championships

Two athletes from Spartans Karate Club formed part of the Gauteng provincial team and represented their province at the South African National Championships in Durban.

This is according to Spartans public relations officer Martin Venter, who added that the event was held at Tongaat Sports Centre over the weekend of April 5.

Thereafter, the athletes earned their provincial colours, which will be bestowed upon them by the official Gauteng Sports Council.

The athletes concluded the championships with four gold, six silver and two bronze medals.

One of the athletes, Sihle Selamolela competed in the 52kg male Kumite (fighting), Kata and Team Kumite events. He placed seventh in the 14–15 year boys division. He was placed in the top 14 of the 14–15 year boys division and received a gold medal.

The other representative athlete, Kyle Kannemeyer, placed seventh in the 12–13 year boys division for Kumite.

Martin further explained that Sensei Enzo Pillay, who is the instructor of Spartans Karate, is a provincial coach and represented the province at the event. Gauteng Karate managed to place first in the country and received top honours as mentioned by Martin.

“The competition is the toughest of the year with the best eight competitors from each province participating. Spartans Karate managed to achieve its best-ever result at nationals and subsequently had seven of its members chosen to represent South Africa,” Martin concluded.