Local team takes part in Common Wealth Karate Champs

Karate South Africa will host the Commonwealth Karate Championships in Durban, Kwazulu-Natal, from November 27 to December 1.

The event that was to have taken place in September in Bangladesh yet was awarded to SA because of Bangladesh’s current unrest.

The Commonwealth Games are the second biggest games in the world after the Olympics, and Diekloof’s Kofukan team is thrilled to feature in them.

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SA will see 52 Commonwealth countries flock to the shores of Durban’s beaches.

The championships comprise mostly top karatekas from each country, and only two elite athletes can participate in one category or division, kata or kumite.

“The club championships comprise elite athletes, too, but countries can enter as many athletes as possible in all kata and kumite divisions. The elite championships will take place from November 26 to 29.

“I am excited to announce that the Diepkloof Kofukan trio – Karabo, Karabelo and Katlego Maduna – are selected to represent SA in this prestigious event.

Their selection into the SA Karate team does not come as a surprise,” said sensei Thabo Molubi of the Diepkloof Kofukan.

“This trio has excelled throughout the year in all national events. They participated in mostly Karate South Africa national events and squad training.

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“They are a force to reckon with. This trio will participate in the club championships, which 52 Commonwealth countries will contest.

“We expect 2 000 athletes will participate. I was also selected as a continentally-qualified referee to officiate in this event. So, three athletes and one continentally qualified referee will represent Diepkloof.”

Molubi said their hard work is finally paying off, and he is proud of his athletes and their achievements.
“I am glad we will finish the year on a high note. Enrolments are still open, so anyone interested in joining our team can get hold of me on 079 921 3600.”