Meshack Khotha

Meshack Khotha

KwaZulu-Natal and North West dominated the exciting Shin Kyokushinkai Karate Open National Tournament at Medunsa in Garankuwa on Saturday.

Both Thembi Ndlovu and Ntombizodwa Sibiya from KZN took honours in the women's U-55kg and open weight respectively.

Shihan Isaac Mashinnini said they had only two women's divisions on Saturday. In the men's category, Daniel Mgwevu (U-45kg), Lebogang Moloi (U-50kg) and Lucas Tshabalala (U-55kg) hoisted the NW flag high in the finals.

The rest of the winners were Benedict Khumalo (U-60kg), Mathebula (U-70kg) - both from KZN - and Solly Hlophe (open weight) from Gauteng.

Mashinini said the combatants had entertained the appreciative crowd with good fighting techniques.

Sam Rampai walked away with the best endurance fighter award while Sthembiso Phama from Gauteng was voted the best spirited fighter. This after he had stunned the defending champion Mavu Mkhize from KZN.