Komani teen to represent SA
Komani’s Sinazo Kabeni, 17, is looking forward to visiting Italy after she was selected for the team to represent SA in the Goju Kai competitions next year.
At a tender age, Kabeni fell in love with traditional martial art training and has since given the best of her ability in the martial arts fraternity.
“I was accompanying my neighbour who was into karate and I found it very interesting,” she said. “I really liked and enjoyed it and decided to try it.”
Kabeni described herself as a committed and loyal member of the Goju Kai community and praised her instructor Sibongile Gqeba for motivating her and for always being patient.
“Now that I have been selected, I am proud of myself, my coach, my mother and sisters for their support,” she said.
Gqeba, who has two training sites, one in Komani at the Beer Hall in Mlungisi and the other in Elliot, said although they had a challenge of limited resources he continued to dedicate his time to making young children’s dreams come true.
He said Kabeni had joined his team in 2012 when they were still practising at the old army base. She was selected during zonal championships along with seven others from his team: Kuyakhanya Nguzo from Komani, Kelly-Ann Ewers, Goergie van Rooyen, Caiden Baadjies, Kendra Wade, and Endinako Somanjaca, all from Elliot, and Gqeba.
He said it was a proud moment for him as a coach and to see the youngsters achieve their goals was fulfilling. Gqeba also highlighted the support shown by parents.
“We are training in difficult conditions and financially it is going to be a challenge in terms of travelling costs. We would really appreciate any kind of support,” he added.
Gqeba can be reached on 083-552-8365.