Diepkloof karate team shines at national championship
Kofukan South Africa’s Diepkloof-based team brought home multiple medals from the Karate South Africa League Two and Development Championships in Turffontein.
The Kofukan South Africa karate team participated in the Karate South Africa League Two and Development Championships held in Turffontein on October 18 to 19.
As the final national event on the 2025 Karate South Africa calendar, the tournament brought excitement and anticipation for the team.
This ranked event allows elite athletes to accumulate points and improve their chances of being selected to represent South Africa at international competitions.
Description: Karabo Maduna wearing her karategi tied with her red belt, standing on the podium after receiving her gold medal for first position in the kumite division.
Caption: One of the Maduna twins, Karabo, celebrating her gold medal win.
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“My athletes were both anxious and excited, especially the development karatekas, as this was their first tournament since joining karate earlier this year,” said Sensei Thabo Molubi.
“We entered four elite athletes: the Maduna twins, Karabo and Karabelo, as well as Holla and Serole Rangongo. These are the senior athletes of our team.”
On the development side, the team entered Lethabo Maloka, Oratile Putsoane and Esihle Boholo.
“The atmosphere was intense over both days of competition, with athletes from across South Africa taking part.
“Oratile Putsoane was our first athlete to break the ice by winning a gold medal in her kata division.
“I am extremely proud of her progress in just three or four months of training. She later won a bronze medal in kumite which speaks to her dedication and consistency.”
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Karabo Maduna also impressed, winning a gold medal in her highly contested kumite division.
Description: Three karate officials wearing clothes with their respective karate team batches.
Caption:The chief Referee for Karate South Africa, Thabo Molubi, president of Karate South Africa, Hanshi Sonny Pillay and Northern Cape coach, Peter Stegmann.
“The future looks very bright for Karabo as a kumite athlete. I am optimistic she will be awarded national colours to represent South Africa soon,” Molubi said.
Serole Rangongo added to the medal tally with a bronze in his kumite division, which featured 16 elite competitors. “It was a tough division and I even doubted if he would place, but he pulled through,” Molubi added.
Molubi expressed pride in all his athletes and gratitude to the parents who supported them.
“Nothing beats the support of parents. Our team has one more event on the calendar, a year-end grading and awards ceremony in the first week of December.
“Enrolments are still open for 2025 and I encourage parents to register their children before the year ends. They can contact me on 079 921 3600.”
