20 Apr 2016

Three Kofukan Federation (BKF) karatekas are in Sofia for the annual Kofukan World Cup.

The three athletes were selected after impressive performances at the Kofukan Open in February.

The World Karate Federation sanctioned tournament is penciled for one of Europe’s oldest and historically rich capital city of Bulgaria this weekend.

European karate powerhouses such as France, Italy and Greece amongst others are expected to grace the championships which will also see some of Africa’s finest crop of karatekas especially from the North of the Sahara Desert take part.

In the last edition of the tournament, which is organised by the Shito-Ryu Karate-do International, BKF had sent four athletes to the much fancied matches.

Oratile Caiphus, Mogakolodi Motlhabi, Nelson Matshamekwane and Kabelo Molefhe had travelled to the southern coastal city of Asker in Norway for the tournament, where they clinched gold in team kumite.

In an interview before jetting off to Sofia former national team kumite sensation, Kabelo Molefe was confident that they would reach podium finish despite the expected tough opposition from other countries.

He said funds permitting they wanted to send a considerable number to the tournament, but would fight with what they had.

Molefe also attended the 2011 World Cup in Russia and has several zone VI honours under his belt, the latest being silver medal at last years’ tournament in Johannesburg.

He is accompanied by under 75kg karateka, Mopati Johnson. Johnson tasted victory in 2013 at the same tournament in Durban where he was crowned champion in team kumite and got bronze for individual kumite.

Johnson, 20, has been a marvel to watch despite being relegated to the second spot in every local tournament trailing the fast and furious Katlego Tsenene.
Zone VI girls kata champion, Centy Kgosikoma is the last member of the team in Sofia.

The youngster is set to impress at her maiden big stage tournament.

The Ledumang Senior Secondary School student has been impressive in local tournaments facing strong opposition from the likes of Entle Maungwa and Otshepheng Machola. ENDS