Diepkloof sensei officiates top regional karate event
Diepkloof's very own sensei, Thabo Molubi of the Kofukan South Africa Karate Team, has once again made the township proud. This time, he represented the country as a referee at the SADC Region South Karate Championships, held in Durban from May 23 to 25.
This annual tournament is one of the most prestigious karate events in the Southern African region. Last year, it was hosted in Swakopmund, Namibia.
'This year, the championships were originally set to take place in Botswana, but due to logistical challenges, the event was relocated to Durban, South Africa,' said Sensei Molubi.
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'The tournament attracts karatekas from across the SADC region, including Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Mozambique, Eswatini, and Lesotho.'
More than 500 karate athletes participated, and Durban's shores welcomed tourists and supporters from all across Southern Africa.
Molubi was selected by Karate South Africa to serve as a technical official and referee. He also holds a position on the SADC Region South Referees Commission, by virtue of his role as Chairman of the Referees Commission for Karate South Africa.
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'During the first two days, we conducted referee and coach courses and managed the weigh-ins for all athletes. I was honoured to be appointed as a Tatami Manager for the actual competition,' he shared.
Molubi noted the high standard of competition and the fierce determination shown by all participating countries.
'Saturday was dedicated mainly to kata events, followed later by children's kumite. South African athletes performed exceptionally well, winning most of the kata divisions,' he added.
The energy in the venue was electric, with spectators—particularly parents—turning out in large numbers to cheer on the athletes and support the event's positive cause.
The South African senior women's team triumphed over Angola in the finals, securing a gold medal and a trophy.
The senior men's team also claimed victory against Angola in a tightly contested final match, winning by a narrow point margin.
South Africa closed the championships with an outstanding performance, finishing with 56 gold, 43 silver and 56 bronze medals. This brought the country's total to an impressive 155 medals.
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'I felt truly proud to represent South Africa and my township of Diepkloof,' said Molubi.
'I encourage all parents to get their children involved in sport. It opens doors and creates opportunities for the youth. Anyone interested in joining our Kofukan South Africa Karate Team is welcome to contact me at 079 921 3600.'
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