Durban — South Africa’s number one-ranked male and former multiple-time world champion, Morgan Moss, will compete against more than 25 rivals from other nations in a bid to be crowned African champion.
This was revealed by the technical director of Karate South Africa (KSA), Renshi Brando Pillay, at the All-Africa Karate Championship press conference held in Durban on Thursday to explain the goal and framework of the tournament.
Moss is ranked in the top three of the continent.
KSA president Hanshi Sonny Pillay said they were expecting between 25-30 countries to participate. Durban-born Pillay said he was keeping the sport local thanks to a partnership with the Department of Sport and Recreation to take karate to the people in rural areas. He said in KZN, there were 11 regions, 10 of which were fully functional.
“The reason why countries like Egypt, Senegal, Tunisia and Morocco are so highly ranked is due to their governments funding them. They fund their camps, workshops and mentoring. If our authorities/government could do something similar, we can compete with the top nations,” Pillay said.
He is adamant that karate has grown in popularity and that is why it requires government funding.
Pillay said they would be showcasing the talent of up-and-coming and developing athletes in the South African Local Government Association (Salga) games.
“With an event like this, it gives hope. No matter where you are, no matter where you train or what facilities you have, it is possible to reach the highest level.”
He cited Sensei Njabulo Khumalo as an example – he came from Ntuzuma and went on to win the World Junior title in 2003.
“He has climbed the ranks and is now an African qualified coach; and by next year, we hope he’ll be recognised globally. There are currently only four world-recognised coaches in South Africa and hopefully he’ll be the fifth.
Liaison Officer of KSA and eThekwini official, Ravi Govender, said: “This year has been bitter-sweet because in July, we were supposed to host the Commonwealth Games – one of the biggest multicode events in the world.
“Karate is not a self-funding sport and relies on stakeholder funding from government and benefactors. Despite the priorities of the city, they were able to support the hosting of this tournament.
“We have been preparing since 2019. We missed the 2021 edition in Egypt due to Covid-19. We were recently in Birmingham for the Commonwealth Games and returned with medals. Recently too, we went to Turkey where our juniors and cadets competed. Although we did not get medals, we performed well. Before, we used to struggle to qualify for the first round; but in this one we made the third round. We’re looking forward to this event and I expect medals in every division – and to get around 20.”
“We go into this tournament with passion, love and to represent our country,” Govender said.
Daily News