Merebank karate warriors roar at Commonwealth Karate Champs
The two brown belt karate students represented South Africa at the recent championships held at the Olive Convention Centre.
TWO siblings from Merebank, Rylee Moodley and Nataniah Naidu were placed third at the 11th Commonwealth Karate Championships in Durban.
The four-day championships were held at the Olive Convention Centre from November 28 to December 1. Over 20 countries participated in this prestigious biennial sporting event.
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The Naidu siblings are brown belt students of Ninfu ShitoRyu Dojo in Merebank.
Rylee and Nataniah have both received their international colours
Rylee is currently ranked third in the country for Kumite in the under 57kg category. This was his first international tournament. He described the tournament as tough but worth the challenge.
“Representing our country is truly a remarkable achievement. Competing helps me gain experience and better myself,” said Rylee.
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He is passionate about karate and trains six days a week. He hopes to one day enter the Olympics or World Championship.
Nataniah, is currently ranked second in the country for Kumite in the under 48kg category.
She also represented South Africa earlier this year in Namibia. She was overjoyed to represent her country again and had hoped she would do better. She said more intense training will enable her to improve herself.
In a joint statement, they thanked Shihan Craig Pillay, Renshi Brando Pillay and Sensei Njabulo Mthembu for the numerous hours of training, coaching and guidance.
They also made special mention of their parents and grandmother for their unwavering support throughout their journey.
Their parents, Greg and Keroshnie Naidu are proud of their children’s achievements.
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