Limpopo fencing season ends with thrills, surprises and new champions

POLOKWANE – The 2024/25 fencing season closed on August 30 with a competition filled with excitement, upsets, and emotional goodbyes as fencers took to the piste for the last time in their old age categories.

With the new season, which started on September 1, this event gave many athletes their final chance to prove themselves before moving up, where several fencers made the most of the opportunity.

Precious Thoka claimed her last silver in the women’s u/17 épée and also stepped into the u/20 and senior categories from this month.

Frans Ramodike, who secured bronze in the men’s u/20 épée, will also make the leap to full senior level, where he will be competing with good competitors.

The competition also brought plenty of surprises on the podium as newcomer Thabile Matheta from Frans Mohlala stunned with a double gold in the u/15 and u/17 categories, fencing far beyond expectations.

Coach Benni Nsua, who has been guiding her through training, said Matheta has proven that hard work and commitment pays off. “She fenced beyond her years today, and she’s definitely one to watch.”

Other breakthrough performances came from Hwiti Fencing Club fencers, Lesedi Motalane, Leroy Matenga, Thato Nkgapele and Kgaogelo Mokoena who secured their first provincial medals, showing grit and promise.

Among the stars of the day was one of Ditlalemeso Fencing Club’s finest, Gloria Bopape, who bagged a silver in the senior category and already holds the number one ranking in both u/20 and senior categories.

Bopape also confirmed her reputation with a gold in the u/20 women’s épée. In the senior women’s épée final, however, Bopape faced tough competition, narrowly losing by just one point to Machanana Mangwane in a thrilling finish.

Kgothatjo Ramaboea, who is currently ranked number three nationally in men’s u/20 épée also secured his medals in the u/17 and u/20 categories.

He faced some tough challenges from fencers from the ‘E tla Natšo’ Project but remains unbeaten in the u/17 men’s épée category.

The junior fencers u/11 and u/13 stole the spotlight with their big smiles, great sportsmanship, and fearless fencing.

The Sinclair twins, Liam and Levi, gave a lively display of both brotherly love and rivalry as they battled their way in the u/11 finals, entertaining the crowd with every touch.

Rookaya Khan impressed with her courage and determination, taking on the boys and securing podium finishes in both the u/11 and u/13 épée open events.

Limpopo Fencing Association chairperson, Renuka Ramroop said she was proud of every fencer who stepped onto the piste this season.

“The growth we’ve seen across all age groups tells us fencing is alive and well in Limpopo, and the best is yet to come. All fencers gave their best to close off the season, leaving spectators inspired and excited for what the new season of fencing will bring.”