SA kareteka come home with bronze

how she felt when her son broke the news to her via Whatsapp on Monday morning.

“He’s a child that doesn’t give up easily. Because of that we knew we had to make aplan for him to go and follow his dream.

“His father took him to karate lessons about three years ago because he wanted him to be able to defend himself and also have discipline at all times.”

Mfenyana said even though they were extremely proud of what her son had achieved they were having sleepless nights wondering how they would repay the R40 000 for his travel expenses after the world’s number three in guju kai failed to a secure a sponsor for the trip.

“We had to cough up every cent we had in our savings towards his trip but still it wasn’t enough so we had to borrow money in order for him to get this experience of a lifetime.

“We approached the provincial department of Sport and Recreation (DSRAC) here in Komani and the Chris Hani District municipality but they never helped us. My hopes lay with the department but they disappointed us and even though I’m very happy on other side I’m thinking about the debts we have to pay.”

Guju Kai Karate Queenstown sensei, Sibongile Gqeba, who was part of the team of seven karateka who qualified to represent the country but couldn’t secure the funds, said five karateka, with himself included, had to cancel their trips.

DSRAC’s Andile Nduna said the national federations had an obligation to support athletes that participate at international level.

“In order to make provision to support talented athletes, the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture has allocated a funding category with the Eastern Cape Sport Council.”

Chris Hani Municipality spokeswoman Thobeka Mqamelo said the municipality had supported various sporting activities in the district over the years.

“This request unfortunately came at a time when the relevant budget was exhausted to assist athletes.”

Both karateka will start preparing for the All styles qualifiers in PE next weekend.