POOR attendance at Karate South Africa's (KSA) national senior full contact championship at Umlazi indoor sports centre in Durban on Saturday has prompted an appeal for unity among the provinces by the federation.

POOR attendance at Karate South Africa's (KSA) national senior full contact championship at Umlazi indoor sports centre in Durban on Saturday has prompted an appeal for unity among the provinces by the federation.

This after only four provinces made it to the event to the disappointment of Isaac Mashinini, the federation's deputy president

Limpopo brought in 15 athletes, thanks to the provincial department of sports, arts and culture's sponsorship.

Eastern Cape had only two, Gauteng six, while North West sent officials only and the rest were from the hosting province.

Mashinini said there was a need for all the karate organisations country wide to join forces and also challenged government to assist them financially.

"We are calling on all organisations that are involved in karate to affiliate to KSA. We feel that the tournament was sabotaged by members who are against progress," said Mashinini.

And KwaZulu-Natal karatekas made use of their home advantage to collect 16 of the 24 trophies, while Limpopo took five, something that may excite their sponsors.

Sihle Nyembe of KZN won the ladies' under-55 kg category, while Tshepiso Lesiba of Gauteng clinched the u-65 kg both from KZN and the open category went to Nokuthula Mtshali.