EKURHULENI mayor Mondli Gungubele has come to the rescue of four karateka who are now going to the World Karate Open Tournament in Japan by agreeing to pay for their trip and accommodation.

The team leaves for Isesaki tomorrow where the tournament is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Gungubele was approached by karate administrator Shihan Peter "Poison" Thage to assist after being sent from pillar to post by the corporate world and other government structures.

"We are sending a team of nine people to Japan, but four karateka could not raise the required money," said Thage.

"Mayor Gungubele came to our rescue and we appreciate it. The problem in South Africa is that our sporting codes are not treated equally when it comes to funding.

"We went to various government structures working in sport but they looked down on us, until Gungubele intervened".

The Japan-bound team comprises Masedisa Mojaki, Thamara Booi, Hendrick Shiluvane, Lucky Moleko and Kagiso Mosimeng. Seventy countries will take part in the tournament.