Meet ‘Ninja', SA's rising karate star!

Meet Njabulo Sithole, who is known as 'Ninja' among his friends, because he is doing karate.
The 16-year-old is a brown belt karate student, which puts him two steps away from a black belt!
He was introduced to karate in 2016 at only six and a half years old by a friend. His parents, Ingrid and Sifiso, approved his enrolment as it was a good tool for managing his energy levels.
This all-around sports person started as early as three years old at the Bright Sparks Pre-School in Kriel, where he did the 'Platy Ball' programme.
They immediately saw that he was a natural at sports.
Through the years, he became a versatile athlete, playing rugby, soccer and cricket, which led him to be enrolled in the Crystal Clear Soccer Academy, now called Super Sport.
While doing karate, he also played cricket and rugby for Laerskool Kriel, later for Middelburg Primary School, and is now the captain of the U/16A rugby team at Hoërskool Kanonkop.
'Karate for me is about discipline, perseverance, sportsmanship (respect and loving one another even when we get to be each other's opponents on the floor), strength and mental stability,' said Sithole.
On March 29, he was selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming World Championships Tournament, which will be taking place from June 10–14, leaving on June 8 and coming back on June 15. Eight students from their Witbank Dojo 'Team SA North-Mpumalanga' under the leadership of Sensei Daniel and Tania Lopez, will be travelling together for this tournament.
Amongst their selected talented group are several current world champions and medallists, who are eager to defend or improve their previous accomplishments, which include:
• Daniel Lopez – Current Men's World Light-Heavyweight Kumite Champion
• Junior Makua – Current World U/21 Kata Champion
• Llewellyn Combrink – Current World 16/17 Years Heavyweight Kumite Champion
• Tania Lopez – Bronze medallist in Ladies' Lightweight Kumite.
In addition, Sithole is forming part of the first-time participants, looking to make their mark on the international stage.
'As you can imagine, reaching this level of competition comes with significant financial challenges. Each student requires a minimum of R39 000 to cover travel, accommodation, entry fees, and other related expenses,' mentioned Sithole.
• The requirements of the World Championship are for each country to show up in their colours and be uniform in all gear and clothing, which includes tracksuits, shirts, takkies, and karate kits.
• People who want to support Sithole on his journey can call his father on 076 837 3021 for more information.
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