Nuha Minty and Leonella Cronje from Badgers Karate Academy put on a stellar performance at the Gauteng trials, both claiming top spots in Kata and Kumite.

The trials were held in early February at Turffontein and saw top karateka from different clubs in Gauteng competing in different categories.

Minty, competing in the Junior Division, took home gold in Kumite, impressing with her technical execution and tactical maturity. Cronje, in the Children’s Division (10–11 years), secured gold in Kumite and bronze in Kata, showcasing her versatility and all-around ability.

“I’m absolutely ecstatic and incredibly proud of both athletes,” beamed Sensei Danika Stevens Katze.

“Their performances reflect not only their technical ability, but also the hours of dedication, discipline, and focused training they consistently put in.”

After these trials, Cronje participated in the KSA National Championships held in late February in Pretoria, where she won gold in Kumite at the national level. Additionally, Minty will next compete at the KSA Nationals in Durban on March 20 and 21.

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“Watching these two grow, both as athletes and as young individuals, has been one of the greatest joys of my coaching career,” Katze added.

“I am excited to see how they continue to develop, and I believe both athletes have an incredibly bright future ahead in the sport.”