African Full Contact Karate Organization (AFCKO), under the banner of the South African Martial Arts Karate Contact (SAMAKC), has once again demonstrated its fighting spirit, returning from Hawick West Community Hall in KwaZulu Natal karate competition on 27 September 2025 with an impressive collection of medals.
The club, which continues to be a driving force for the sport in the region, showcased its depth of talent across multiple age and weight divisions. The competition highlighted the growing prominence of karate locally, a development strongly championed by Shihan Thulane Sibisi.
“Shihan Thulane Sibisi makes it a point that youth are taught that the sports industry is broad,” said a club representative, emphasizing the commitment to providing opportunities for young athletes to excel both on and off the mat.
The team’s outstanding performers and their achievements are as follows:
• Mbali Msomi clinched 1st Place in the competitive Open Division.
• Siyanda Sibiya mirrored this success, taking 1st Place in the Men’s Open Division.
• Thulisile Khumalo fought her way to 3rd Place in the Ladies under 75kg category.
• In the junior ranks, Nyandza Sithole earned 3rd Place for Boys aged 16-17.
• Tshepang Janvilk claimed a 1st Place victory for Girls aged 12-14.
• Njabulo Tshabalala secured 1st Place for Boys aged 16-17.
• Vunene Baloyi dominated her category, taking 1st Place for Ladies under 65kg.
• Lesedi Maseko achieved 1st Place for Boys aged 18-20.
• Olwethu Mbiko earned 1st Place for Boys aged 12-14.
• Tsakane Makuvule put in a solid performance, achieving 4th Place for Boys aged 12-14.
The resounding success of AFCKO (SAMAKC) at this competition not only brings pride to the club but also solidifies karate’s rising status in the area.
The dedication of its Shihan and the hard work of its students prove that the future of the sport is bright and that the club will continue to shine.
