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THE EASTERN Cape JKA provincial karate trials saw the crème de la crème in the province being selected for the SA national championships set to be staged in Johannesburg in May.
The tournament that took place this past weekend at Gonubie Primary in East London saw karateka from St Francis, Port Elizabeth and Mthatha competing for the top four positions per division in both kata and kumite.
The trials were convened by Sensei Alta Mance from East Coast JKA and karateka took to the stage to showcase their skills and endurance.
One of the coaches selected for the masters, Sempai Elsie Potgieter, 43, said he was pleased to have made it into the team as it was difficult with the stiff competition.
“It’s such an honour for me to be part of this, because we are such a small province and we have to travel far to get to these tournaments.
“But still, the provincial always brings back a lot of medals whenever they go because we are very competitive.
“Because there’s so much talent in this province and there’s a particular group that impressed me from Mthatha dojo Latita Gabela and Kwezi Dulane.
“Last year’s national champs was their first big tournament and they won medals,” said Potgieter.
Juniors, which are colour belts – white to red – will compete next Friday and all the senior belts, which are brown and black belts, will compete on the Saturday.
“At this tournament the national selectors will select a team that will represent the country at the African Cup on September 1.
“It will held at the Ellis Park indoor Arena in Johannesburg, so we are quite excited about that too, because our karatekas have an opportunity to achieve something great.”
She said this tournament would instill confidence in their juniors and she would not only be competing but also offering support to them.
“I will be there to calm their nerves and give them tips so they can perform at their best.
“Because I have experience in this tournament, as I got third place last year, both in kata and kumite in division.
“So I also want to improve on that, maybe get a first place or second place this year, but unfortunately the veterans won’t be selected for the African Cup.
“But that’s okay, we’ll leave that for the young ones,” said Potgieter.
The provincial team is: Phillip Mzele, Travis Bartosch, Yanga Ngoqo, Den Ngoqo, Chuma Ngoqo, Vuyo Nkasawe, Charleen Meiring, Thina Nkwezane, Jessica Yaboah, Lizalise Melusi, Megan Geduld, Thimna Manziya, Lusanele Gunashe, Phawu Ludwabo, Lili Zozi, Logan Hufkie, Langa Qwaku, Kwathi Lawana, Imi Zozi, Leon Muller, Attie Kula, Zimi deleki, Keagan Richter, Eben Nortier, Hlangi Mashiane, Zayden Nel, Connor Sweetman, Umi Zozi, Lomelelo Ncapayi, Achumile Mcinga, Abby Munroe, Annabeth Erasmus, Shayla Richter, Lonwabo Zungula, Latita Gabela, Bahle Majavu, Cingimiso Fodo, Ayanda Mtse, Kwazi Lowana, Kwezi Dulane, Luthango Ngese, Edward Puttergill, Kamva Sinxoto, Tyler Bambie, Luso Luzipo, Dumi Konwayo, Thando Marambana, Shane Rademan, Munira Baldiwala, Bongani Cele