Date: March 5, 2016
Place: Banquet hall, Klerksdorp Town, North West Province, South Africa
Organizer: South Africa Branch Chief Thomas Sindephi Mayekani
The 5th Matlosana Cup annual tournament has come and gone.
The standard has improved dramatically in both junior (<18 years old) and senior (> over 18 years) fighters showcasing best full contact karate techniques and skills. The tournament was successful, a total of 286 fighters registered on the day with the hall filled to capacity. It was tough and competitive, Eight provinces participated (Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Limpopo, North West, Free State, KwaZulu Natal, Western Cape and Northern Cape), with the exception of Eastern Cape. The tournament also enjoyed the presences of a strong team from our neighboring country Zimbabwe. The Zimbabwe Karate Union team gave our South Africa fighters a very tough competition, winning 6 trophies in different divisions, with Tungamirai. H. Madzimbamuto being the champion for men U80kg division.
Matlosana team has performed extremely well, with the team amassing 38 trophies in total. Eight of the Matlosana team fighters obtained position one in their respective divisions (Princess Dichaba, Elias Moreo, Siya Mogorosi and Gomotsang Lemme, Zoleka Mahlaza, Kgosimang Morake, Karabo Tshoane and Jan Antone). The North West Province Shinkyokushinkai fighters were the biggest winners of the tournament with a total of 42 trophies, KwaZulu Natal-11 trophies, Gauteng-8 trophies, Northern Cape-4 trophies, Western Cape-2 trophies, while Limpopo collected 1 trophy.
Apart from shinkyokushinkai South Africa and Zimbabwe Karate Union, other full contact karate organizations also participated (Kyokushinkan Gauteng, Shorin Kempo Gauteng, IKO Kyokushinkai KwaZulu Natal, IKO Matsushima North West and IKKO Norther Cape-Kimberly).
We would like to thank the sponsors for their contributions in making the event a success. The Local Sports Council for sponsoring the event with trophies, KMart Auto for supplying the 5th Matlosana Cup T-Shirts for all the winners, sempai Joel Papalagae catered for officials and the following individuals for providing us with drinks: Twinz Hair Salon, Mr Jabulani Shongwe, Semapi Solly Hlophe and Mr Obed Bezudenhout. The sound system was supplied by Mr Retshidisitswe Mabaso.
We would like to thank all the fighters and their organizations including the spectators for making the event a success. We believe everyone had travelled safe back to their homes and will continue to practice and train hard to become the best fighters.
We would like to extend our gratitude to the officials from different provinces and organizations for the good hard work and making the tournament a success.
Main Table officials:
Shihan Isaac Mashinini, Paul Sehlabelo, Sibusiso Mpanza, Mbhavalelo Takalani, Zakhele Dlamini, Karabo Pitse, Thomas Mayekani.
Referees’ panel:
James Sithole (Center), Sphamandla Ngubane, Joseph Tshabalala, Joel Papalagae, Thandeka Mbonambi (Center/fighter), Clement Baloyi (Center), Edward Matjila (Center), Sthembiso Pama, Zonke Mthethwa (Center), Bonga Gwala, Tebalo Thabaneng, Mphuma Humbulani (Center/MC), Robert Lechelele, Shakes Mayekani, Sbusiso Mkhize, Jonathan Hlatswayo, James Ntlaba, Vusi Mtshali, Philani Dlamini, Velaphi Hlanguza (Center), Mandla Ndlela, Sbusiso Ngcobo, Zakhele Dlamini, Hendrick Moeketsi.
Time keepers:
Bonolo Maponya, Kenny Ntshekang, Sthembiso Pama, Lizzy Rampai, Faniswa Boqashi, Zanempi Mayekani, Tsholofelo Plaatjie, Mcdonald Mokaleng, Ditlhoriso Modise.
