The Kofukan South Africa Karate team attended the Johannesburg Regional Karate Trials, recently held in Midrand at the CMA Bikers Church.

The annual event serves as the first step in the tournament pathway, allowing athletes to be selected at regional level before progressing to provincial and national competitions.

“The tournament was well attended, mostly by karate schools from the Johannesburg region. Our first athlete to compete was Lethabo Maloka, who was taking part in his second tournament this year.

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“I was really impressed by his performance, especially in kumite. Maloka fought very well and eliminated most of his opponents. I saw his confidence grow each time he stepped onto the tatami,” said sensei Thabo Molubi of the Kofukan South Africa Karate team.

Maloka finished third in his kumite division and claimed a bronze medal.

“His victory motivated the entire team and they were determined to win more than anything. Oratile Putsoane was our second athlete to take to the tatami.

“Her kata division was highly competitive but she managed to win a bronze medal. She later competed in kumite and won a silver medal. I am super proud of Putsoane’s achievements so far.

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“She has been training with us for four months and has proved she is a force to be reckoned with. This was also her second tournament and already her results are speaking for themselves.”

One of the team’s elite athletes, Serole Rangongo, also rose to the challenge, proving why he is considered among the top juniors.

His kata division featured 12 highly competitive athletes, but he finished third and earned a bronze medal. He later dominated in kumite, eliminating most of his opponents to secure second place and a silver medal.

“Rangongo is a future Protea athlete for our dojo. I am optimistic that in the coming years he will represent South Africa at international level.

“His sister, Holla Rangongo, also rose to the occasion and represented us very well. She won a bronze medal in her kata division and a gold medal in kumite,” Molubi added.

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Paballo Mohomane was the last athlete to compete on the day, and Molubi expressed his pride in the young karateka’s performance. It was Mohomane’s first tournament since joining the club four months ago. He won a silver medal in kata and later clinched gold in kumite.

“I was extremely happy to see all my athletes bringing back medals for the dojo and flying the flag for Diepkloof high.

“All these athletes have qualified to represent the Johannesburg region at the upcoming Gauteng Provincial Karate Championships early next year. I am also grateful for the support from parents. Seeing them present and witnessing their children’s success means a lot to me.”

The club will host its year-end grading on December 6, along with an awards ceremony to honour the top athletes who excelled throughout the year.

Parents can still enrol their children for the new year and can contact sensei Thabo Molubi on 079 921 3600.