Limpopo’s rising fencing stars impress at provincial championship

Quick read 

• Limpopo Fencing Association hosted its third provincial competition of 2024 on Saturday in Polokwane.

• Athletes from u/11 to u/20 competed in a lively event filled with close contests and personal achievements.

• Highlights included first medals, title defences, and emotional send-offs, with clubs like Ditlalemeso and Sello Maduma Fencing Academy celebrating multiple wins.

• LFA chair Renuka Ramroop praised the passion and promise on display, especially among the youngest fencers.

• Full story below

Full story

POLOKWANE – On Saturday, Limpopo Fencing Association (LFA) hosted its third provincial competition of the year at their Polokwane club, showing off talent across the u/11 to u/20 age categories.

Fencers from various clubs gathered to compete for medals, improve their rankings, and grow in skill and confidence.

The competition showcased determination, discipline, and sportsmanship.

LFA chairperson Renuka Ramroop said it was particularly inspiring to see how the athletes brought their practice into real-time competition. “The atmosphere was electric as fencers fought for every point, showing both passion and promise,” she said.

For many, the day marked personal milestones.

Thato Nkgaphele from Hwiti Fencing Club earned his first medal since taking up the sport last year. Newcomer Frans Mohlala Fencing Club celebrated their debut with a bronze medal win by Patience Ramohashi in the u/15 women’s épée.

Gloria Bopape of Ditlalemeso Fencing Club successfully defended her title in the u/20 women’s épée, winning a tense final.

National u/15 top-ranked fencer Amaani Tayob continued her dominance, adding two medals to her growing collection – a gold in u/15 and a bronze in u/17.

The u/15 men’s épée final was a nail-biter, with Kwena Mohale narrowly beating Phenyo Rangoato who had earlier taken gold in the u/13 category – by just one point.

In his final junior competition in the province, Sebastian Austin bowed out in style with a gold medal after a hard-fought match against rising star Jonathan Ngoako Matheta of Ditlalemeso Fencing Club.

Thoka Precious maintained her unbeaten streak in the u/17 women’s épée, while promising newcomer Lethabo Motupa earned both a bronze (u/17) and silver (u/15), making Ditlalemeso proud.

The Sello Maduma Fencing Academy celebrated several double medal winners, including Kgothatjo Ramaboea, Amaani Tayob, Phenyo Rangoato, Levi and Liam Sinclair, and newcomer Njabulo Hlebela.

According to Ramroop, some of the most touching moments came from the u/11 category.

“These young fencers were a joy to watch – demonstrating sharp reflexes, admirable discipline, and, above all, great sportsmanship,” she said.

Razia Morad-Khan, parent of fencer Rookaya Khan, noted that fencing is about much more than medals. “It’s about development, perseverance, and learning to rise after a fall.

“While some left disappointed, they all left proud to be part of this beautiful sport.”

Ramroop concluded by saying that as fencing continues to grow in Limpopo, events like these prove that the future is bright – and the province’s young fencers are more than ready for the challenges ahead.