Spartans triumph at African championships

Spartans Karate dojo, located in the Carletonville Civic Centre, emerged victorious at the recent UFAK (Union of African Karate Federations) Region South Karate Championships in Namibia.

According to Martin Venter, the club’s public relations officer, three Spartans fighters showcased their talent at the MTC Dome Indoor Sporting Complex in Swakopmund from June 19 to 23.

The Spartans Karate representatives delivered impressive performances as they competed against top talent from countries in Southern Africa including South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

Aiden Arendse won a bronze medal in the kumite (fighting) category for men aged 16 to 17, while Rochelle Seitz won another bronze in the women’s under 14 category.

Lerato Mohohlo also showed commendable skills, finishing fifth in the U14 women’s kumite competition. Their coach, Sensei Enzo Pillay, expressed pride in his students and emphasised the dojo’s dedication to developing world-class athletes.

“The Spartans Dojo cultivates individuals capable of competing with any global competitor,” he affirmed.

“These athletes not only represented South Africa and earned their Protea colours, giving themselves many opportunities.

“They also represented and showcased the potential of the Merafong area on an international platform,” Pillay added.

Motivated by their performances, the athletes expressed their determination to achieve further success on the world stage.

“We are confident that more gold medals are within our reach. Watch us and our teammates; we are here to stay,” the young stars said proudly.