The Kofukan South Africa karate team continued with its tradition to award and recognise their hardworking karateka with floating trophies for the month of February.

The karateka of the month initiative has brought competition to the dojo, with most karateka putting in the extra work to snatch the title.

“As a result, we have decided to split this category into the senior and junior karateka of the month. All white belts to green belts are now grouped under the junior category, and all purple belts to black belts are now grouped under the senior category.

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“The logic behind this is to give all our karateka a fair chance to try and win the karateka of the month trophy,” said sensei Thabo Molubi.

Paballo Mohomane was nominated and awarded the junior karateka of the month trophy for February.

“Mahomane has been exceptionally good in the dojo through mastering his techniques and also by leading as an example for all his junior karateka. He is always present and punctual in the club, and that counts a lot. That is one of the criteria we look into when nominating the karateka of the month.”

The senior karateka of the month was scooped by Katlego Maduna.

“Maduna has started 2026 with a bang and sheer determination as one of our senior athletes. I was impressed by his performance at the recently held Gauteng Provincial Karate Championships were he managed to win a bronze medal in his kumite division. This is a very down-to-earth young man, but with the heart of a lion.

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“His humility and humbleness sum it up for me. I truly admire his character, and I am glad that he is leading by example in the dojo.”

This year is proving to be an exciting year for Diepkloof’s karate team, and local parents are encouraged to enrol their children on the team.

For more information, residents may contact Molubi on 079 921 3600.