Diepkloof karate team wins 40 medals at Warriors Challenge
Sixteen Diepkloof karateka returned home with medals after delivering standout performances at the Warriors Challenge Tournament.
The Kofukan South Africa Karate Team recently attended the Warriors Challenge Tournament which was held at the Rivonia Village Center.
The tournament was organised by sensei Michelle Singh and saw a total of 16 karateka from the Kofukan South Africa Karate Team represent Diepkloof in kata and kumite.
“Most of our athletes attended this tournament and they could not contain their excitement. Our team entered additional two teams for kata and one team for kumite,” said sensei Thabo Molubi.
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The day also saw parents coming in numbers to support the karateka as they showcased their skills.
“The atmosphere was excellent and the vibe of the tournament was on another level. Nothing makes a tournament more interesting and fascinating like when you see parents cheering from the stands for all our karateka. Our team dominated the tournament and made its presence felt. We won a whopping 24 gold medals, 11 silver medals and five bronze medals.”
Molubi added that he was impressed by his karateka, especially the likes of Oratilwe Mokwena who performed exceptionally well in kata division and won a gold medal.
“The passion that Mokwena has for karate is out of this world and I am optimistic about his future as a karateka. Lethabo Maloka, who is one of our usual top performers, did not disappoint at all as he dominated his kumite division and won a gold medal. Maloka’s performance improves each time he takes part in a tournament and I regard him as one of our future superstars.”
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The team has welcomed a new karateka, Bophelo Makhele, who won two gold medals for kata and kumite with an impressive performance.
“Makhele is a dynamite in a small package. When he explodes with his performance on the tatami, he draws the attention of everyone. I am super proud of him. The future looks bright for him.
“The Rangongo siblings, Holla and Serole dominated their divisions as well and won gold medals. Watching this pair compete on the tatami brings me so much joy, they give it their all. They leave no stone unturned and always strive to be the best.”
Another newcomer, Lenny Khoza, who was competing for the second time in a karate tournament, managed to win two gold medals for kata and kumite.
“This simply shows that hard work really pays off at the end. All 16 karateka who took part at the Warriors Challenge tournament won medals in their respective divisions for kata and kumite. None of them came back empty handed. I am super proud of my team and the effort they always put in to become the best.”
Parents who want enrol their children to join the school can get hold of sensei Molubi on 079 921 3600.
