Small town karateka in Eastern Cape team at Joburg event

TALENT is talent, whether you come from a privileged or poor background. Three youngsters from Alexandria are representing the Eastern Cape in the 2015 Karate South Africa children, cadet and junior trials which have been unfolding in Johannesburg from yesterday, running until tomorrow.

The three are Yonwabo Sosi, Siphamandle Mgogoshe and Thembalethu Klaas.

“These young boys have already shown a lot of promise,” said the vice-president of the Eastern Cape Karate Association, shihan Tommy Mannie. Mannie, who is also the development officer for the Sarah Baartman district, said the schools in the area had also provided essential and on-going support for their pupils.

“Alexandria Primêre Skool, where Siphamandle goes to school, as well as Bongweni Primary School, which Yonwabo attends, have given the children great support, and we are very grateful for their help,” said Mannie.

“Thanks go to their principals and teachers for their continued assistance.”

Sosi and Mgogoshe were both recently upgraded to junior black belts and, along with Klaas, have an excellent chance of being selected for the Protea team after the trials.

Mannie, himself a seasoned karateka, has now retired as a businessman and spends all his free time coaching.

He has had a long string of successes, and his students have been undefeated in kata (forms) and kumite (fighting) over the last five years.

“A lot of people have helped to support our youngsters, and I would like to thank the schools as well as the Alexandria Freemasons who have assisted by allowing us to use their hall as a dojo,” said Mannie.

However, the trip to Johannesburg, including accommodation and subsistence, is an expensive one.

Mannie said he would be approaching Ndlambe mayor Sipho Tandani regarding some financial assistance.

“It really is important that we motivate these young people.

“In karate they learn self-discipline and it keeps them out of trouble,” Mannie said. “Otherwise our kids would be wandering the streets at night, with all the dangers of assault, alcohol, drugs and gangsterism.”

Should anyone wish to assist in this trip, or support the club in any other way, contact Mannie on 073-046-3370.

‘Otherwise our kids would be wandering the streets at

night’