Taekwondo players selected for Indian Super League
Local Taekwondo stars Master William Rampeba , Panashe Motshwari, Neo Dematema and Tlhabo Kebalefetse are currently busy gearing up for the virtual Indian Taekwondo Super League.
In the absence of physical competitions most sporting codes have resorted to competing online in order to keep the fire burning. The five rounds league commenced on the 1st of October and is expected to conclude on the 8TH of November. However, the quartet from Tigers Taekwondo club is expected to make their debut in the competition from the 7thof October.
According to Rampeba who also doubles as the club coach, preparations have been going well since he managed to select the best team despite erratic training sessions in the past weeks.“
Preparations are going very well because we had a lot of time to prepare and to choose the best players to represent us in the tournament.
I had to choose students with a certain skill because some kids have unique skills in Taekwondo,” said Rampeba.
The tournament, which is based on the points system is played virtually on YouTube and has attracted the best players from across the world. This won’t be the first time that Master Rampeba and his team will be competing in an online international competition as they participated at IDSO 2020 Indian Taekwondo Championships in August where they won two gold and bronze medals. Since the athletes were tested onkyorugi (fighting) last time, in this particular event they will be competing in Poomsae patterns.
Despite a good showing in the previous tournament, Rampeba says there are no medal targets for the team since his main aim is for the squad to compete at the highest level.“
The league has many teams inside soI’m not looking for position one but I want these kids to enjoy the competition and prove their skill so that next time I can improve where they faulted,” said 22- year old Rampeba.
While Rampeba and Motshwari are not new to competing in online tournaments, for the duo of Dematema and Kebalefetse, it will be a first time experience.
The nine year old Dematema is ready for the challenge. “For my coach to have selected me to be part of this tournament is a good thing for me so I’m going all out there to try and win a medal for the team and impress my coach.,” said Dematema.