PHYSICS STUDENT CLINCHES KARATE WOLRD TITLE

A final year WSU physics student kicked, punched and chopped his way to capturing a prestigious international karate title in Russia this month.

October 12 marked a momentous occasion for karateka Anele Madlala (23) as he beat his Russian opponent Andrei Kizov in front of a partisan home crowd in the 79-80kg division to clinch the World Fighting Kyokushin Organization Grand Prix tournament held in the Russian town of Suzdal.

Madlala said the fight was not a walk in the park; he praised his opponent’ determination to win.

“The fight was a very tough one. Kizov is a very hard man to fight – he is strong physically, with a strong will to win and an even stronger heart,” said Madlala.

The Champ said that even though he was prepared, there were instances during that fight that caught him by surprise but because he gave his all he managed to become victories.

Originally from the township of Harding in picturesque KwaZulu-Natal, Madlala first dabbled in the Japanese martial art form in 2005 at the age of nine.

He gave his gratitude to his Shihan (karate coach) Mondli Songca and to the entire Africa.

“I dedicate this fight to my unwavering supporters, my training team and the entire continent of Africa,” he said.

Madlala was the only participant from Africa; he gained his rubber stamp to represent the continent after booting out his opponents in the African leg of the Full Contact Karate Organisation (FCKO) tournament that was held in Gauteng, May.

The Harding born has represented the country for the fifth time since the beginning of his career at the University Sports South Africa games that were held in North West University in 2016.

Madlala has commenced with his training for the Kyoshin World Union Championships which will be held in Kazakhstan, on 8 December.

By: Mawande Mute