Karate gold medallist earns provincial colours
DOON Heights karateka Isabella Strydom has set her sights on competing at the JKA WF Africa Cup in Johannesburg in May after she won two gold and two silver medals and earned her provincial colours at the recent JKA KZN Provincial Championships.
Also read: Amanzimtoti athletes tackle Netronix Woodview Challenge
Her mother, Tamara Kirsten Strydom, said, 'My heart bursts with pride to say you are mine, Isabella. Every year you do and achieve greater things. A huge thank you to Amanzimtoti JKA Karate for all the hard work put into our children and helping them reach their goals and dreams. SA JKA Karate Association, thank you for all these events that make these goals possible.'
She added that making it to the cup is a massive achievement and it will be Isabella's biggest competition yet, competing against karatekas all over Africa.
'Unfortunately the costs involved are a lot more than I as a single mother can afford alone and we are looking for assistance with sponsorship. We are also doing our annual raffle which has been popular in past years as it allows Isabella to give back to those in the community who help her. This year we have had some amazing local small businesses sponsor prizes. Please consider supporting her fundraiser so that we can get her there to compete,' said Strydom.
Wise beyond her age, Isabella said, 'I'd like to go as far as I can but I don't like the idea of hurting anyone. Karate has taught me to have respect for other people, to be kind and not to have anger issues. I'd like to represent my country in competitions when I get older. I love karate because I can protect my family and defend myself against mean people.'
Should you wish to assist this young karateka, contact Strydom on 071 869 0167.
For more South Coast Sun news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter and get news delivered straight to your inbox.
Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Big call for Pitso to return to Sundowns
Mamelodi Sundowns seemingly moved on from the CAF Champions League final heartbreak at the hands of Pyramids FC. However, the club's former winger, Anthony Laffor, is clearly not a fan of coach Miguel Cardoso and the political dynamics inside the club. The Liberian was part of the only Sundowns squad to win the club's only CAF Champions League title in 2016. According to Laffor, Sundowns' former coach, Pitso Mosimane, who brought the title to Chloorkop, needs to be re-appointed at Kabo Yellow. Transfer news: Mako said 'yes' to Chiefs and 'no' to Pirates Anthony Laffor celebrates with Bangaly Soumahoro of Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2018 Shell Helix Cup match between Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB Stadium, Johannesburg on 21 July 2018 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix 'Kaizer Chiefs bosses signed me, not the coach' – Gilbert 'Coach Pitso Mosimane, only if you could get a chance to take over our beloved club Sundowns, next season Champions League is sure. Let us put football politics aside,' Laffor called out on his Instagram account. 'It's about that time Pitso Mosimane comes back home. Only he knows how to coach Sundowns. I've been there, I know exactly what I'm talking about,' Laffor concluded. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
5 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs set to seal first signing of the window!
Kaizer Chiefs are looking to undergo a squad rebuild ahead of the next season, after a disappointing previous campaign. Although they won the Nedbank Cup, Chiefs still failed to finish the season in the top eight positions. This made it their second time in a row, under a second coach that they failed to qualify for the MTN8. With that, Chiefs are expected to make some big and telling changes to their playing personnel. This in an effort to ensure that they don't find themselves in a similar situation again next season. It is no secret that they are looking to bolster their attack going into next season. But that is just one department, as they are also intent on adding strength and depth to their defence. One position that is reportedly earmarked for that is the left-back berth. As it stands, Chiefs have Bradley Cross, Happy Mashiane, Edmilson Dove and Bongani Sam playing there. Sam did not play a single minute for Chiefs since joining from arch rivals Orlando Pirates last season. He is rumoured to be on his way out. Mashiane has continued to be a bit part player and also could leave. There is also uncertainty over the future of Dove, with his deal up at the end of the month. So with possibly three left-backs on the way out, at least two new ones would be needed. Earlier in the week, this publication reported that Chiefs were in negotiations to sign Aphiwe Baliti from SuperSport United. Now according to Micky Jnr, the club are set to wrap that deal up in time for him to make it to their preseason tour to the Netherlands. 'Aphiwe Baliti will be part of Kaizer Chiefs' squad to the Netherlands for pre-season. The agent has confirmed that talks are close to being finalized. 23-year-old Defender (LB) SuperSport United Played 18 games in the 2024/25 season' posted Micky Jnr on his official 'X' account. Chiefs fans, would you be excited for Baliti to be your first signing of the transfer window? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab. Or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
The South African
6 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates set to announce new head coach
Orlando Pirates appear to be closing in on the announcement of a new head coach, with former tactician Rulani Mokwena dominating the rumour mill. Following Jose Riveiro's recent departure to Al Ahly, the Buccaneers have remained tight-lipped about his successor, but a source suggests that Mokwena is firmly in contention. Mokwena, a former Pirates interim head coach and assistant under Milutin Sredojević, has also coached at Chippa United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and most recently, Moroccan giants Wydad Athletic Club. Now, speculation is intensifying about his potential return to Soweto. The source has hinted strongly at Mokwena's candidacy, though an official announcement has not yet been made. A source close to Mokwena revealed that while broader football matters could be discussed, direct questions about a Pirates reunion were deflected, sparking even more interest. 'At the moment no one wants to talk about it but it's believed that Rulani Mokwena is the coach in line to take over from Jose Riveiro. I can't say everything is finalised at the moment but things are looking good. For now it's more about the interest in the coach and Rulani Mokwena is one of those,' the source confirmed. The Pirates hierarchy seems to be keeping options open, possibly to avoid a last-minute shift in negotiations. With the club's European pre-season tour fast approaching, management appears determined to finalise the new head coach well before departure. The team is scheduled to leave for Germany in the first week of July. And plans are already underway to ensure the new coach is on board by then. 'The team is expected to leave for pre-season in Germany during the first week of July. So they are planning to have the new coach by that time as part of their pre-season. Let's wait and see who it will be. Rulani Mokwena's name is up there on the list,' added the same source. Will Mokwena be a good fit for Orlando Pirates? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
