Photo: Back (L-R) - Sensei Eugene Smith, Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Lesedi Twala. Front (L-R) - Lisa Magwaza, Lethokuhle Zulu, Sbonga Rabothata. Absent - Chibuzo Okpugo, Chinedu Okpugo (On account of journeying to Dubai to bring honour and glory to Ermelo, Msukaligwa, Gert Sibande, Mpumalanga, and South Africa.)
Ermelo Karate Academy delivered a strong performance at the KSA Mpumalanga Provincial Championship, held on 7 February 2026 at the Sasol Secunda Recreational Club, with athletes bringing home an impressive haul of medals across Kumite and Kata events.
Photo: (L-R) Nkosinathi Mahlangu, Sensei Eugene Smith, Sbonga Rabothata.
Kumite results saw Ermelo Karate Academy athletes dominate across divisions. Nathi claimed gold, while Sbonga also secured gold in Kumite. Lisa earned silver, followed by Lesedi, who achieved silver in Kumite in his first competition after taking a break from competition during the previous season.
Photo: (L-R) Chibuzo Okpugo, Chinedu Okpugo
Chibuzo and Chinedu both delivered strong performances, with Chibuzo securing silver in Kumite and Chinedu claiming gold. The two brothers faced each other in the Kumite final, continuing a familiar sibling rivalry on the competition floor. This provincial outing marked a strong final competition in their preparation, with the Okpugo twins now set to compete in the Karate One Youth League in Fujairah, Dubai, from 12 to 15 February.
Photo: (L-R) Lesedi Twala
Kata performances also produced positive results for the academy. Lesedi added a bronze medal in Kata, while Chinedu secured silver and Chibuzo claimed bronze. All three athletes competed in the same division, meaning Ermelo Karate Academy claimed three of the top four places — gold, silver and a joint third — reflecting consistent technical performances across the discipline.
Although Lethokuhle Zulu did not medal, the young karateka delivered a commendable Kata performance in a highly competitive 7–9-year-old division, showing promise for future competitions.
Photo: (L-R) Lisa Magwaza, Sensei Milton Thanjekwayo, Sbonga Rabothata.
Looking ahead, the medallists from the provincial championship will now turn their attention to upcoming national events on the Karate South Africa calendar. This includes the KSA Seniors & Development Nationals 2026, taking place from 27 to 28 February in Pretoria, and the KSA Elite Children, Cadets and Junior Nationals, scheduled for 20 to 22 March 2026 in Durban, where strong provincial performances will be tested at national level.
The academy congratulated all its athletes on their achievements, expressing pride in their dedication, discipline and competitive spirit displayed at provincial level.
Anyone interested in joining karate or supporting the development of local athletes through sponsorship can contact Sensei Eugene Smith on 072 361 6680.