AN 11-MEMBER karate squad from the Shin Kyokushinkai (Midori group) left for Russia on a high last night to take part in the World Cup Karate Tournament which takes place at St Petersburg this weekend.
AN 11-MEMBER karate squad from the Shin Kyokushinkai (Midori group) left for Russia on a high last night to take part in the World Cup Karate Tournament which takes place at St Petersburg this weekend.
It is a world tournament that is sanctioned by the World Karate Organisation. About 70 countries are to take part.
The tournament has been divided into the under-70kg, under-80kg and open weight sections for men and women.
Sensei Edward Matjila said yesterday that they had assembled a formidable team.
"Most of the youngsters will be exposed to the international competition for the first time. But they are well-prepared for the event and hope to learn from their seasoned fighters," he said.
The women's team is dominated by karateka from KwaZulu-Natal. They are Zonke Mthethwa, Sizakele Nyembe and Sizakele Ndlovu.
The men's squad: Mafiki Ngcobo, Sifiso Mtshali and Sphamandla Ngubane (KwaZulu-Natal), Matjila, Chere Gazite and Sam Rampai (North West), Mbongiseni Sihlongonyane (Swaziland) and Sithembiso Pama (Gauteng).