Seventeen-year-old Bandile Khumalo recently scooped gold at the International Karate Organisation (IKO) Sonada Group National Tournament held at the Orlando Community Hall in Soweto.
This was Bandile’s debut tournament after joining the Lenasia South and Zakariyya Park IKKF late last year under the stewardship of Lenasia South SAPS’ Sgt Mabati Makwela – who has been teaching local youngsters martial arts at the Lenasia South Civic Centre and Zakariyya Park Community Hall for more than five years.
He participated in the Cecte (under 55kg) category and delivered a remarkable performance in the kumite (full contact) competition winning three fights, scooping first position and receiving a trophy.
“I’m proud of him, he is a fighter, a warrior and has a lot of potential,” Sensei Makwela told Globe Post.
Meanwhile Sgt Makwela partook in once again received gold at the SAPS Provincial Sports Day organised by General Fred Kekana.
The Sports Day is a wellness initiative aimed at promoting healthy living, boost officers’ morale and teamwork.
Makwela joined SAPS martial arts in 2012 and rarely returns empty handed from a tournament.
