Mahamba to host Young Lions Oyama Karate Tournament
TALK about taking sport to the people, then the Oyama Kyokushin Karate Association of Swaziland (OKKAS) is on the right path.
Just after having a successful development tournament at the Zakhele Community Hall last Saturday, another has already been scheduled.
It’s the annual Young Lions Oyama Karate Tournament billed for Mahamba where one of the dojos (clubs) is based. OKKAS has the Tfokotani Dojo based in Mahamba.
“The Young Lions Tournament will be on June 1. This is also a junior’s tournament as it covers Under-17s only,” OKKAS Public Relations Officer (PRO) Sensei Musa Ginindza explained.
He said they once again expected all their dojos from every corner of Eswatini to take part. Ginindza said details like joining fees will be relayed in due course. The Young Lions Tournament will be inside the Tfokotani Hall.
That is the way it is for the Oyama Kyokushin Karate artists in Eswatini. The senior karatekas are yet to have their competition, including the nationals.
However, they had been busy with roadside, gym, and Dojo base training to keep fit, especially because there were international tournaments lined up.
“Our seniors will on May 25 get together for a national joint training at Zakhele Community Hall in Manzini. We are going to have a real workout there, be prepared,” Oyama Kyokushin Karate Association of Swaziland (OKKAS) PRO Musa Ginindza said.
He said that OKKAS wanted to ensure that the seniors led the way and encouraged the juniors they earn black belts and become international officials in the sport.
He said discipline was essential for the seniors to motivate the Young Lions ( junior fighters) to grow a passion for the sport.
Ginindza was full of praise for their seniors who already have officiating skills. He listed some of the seniors to help with officiating in the upcoming Young Lions Tournament. They will be led by OKKAS President Shihan Mfanafuthi Vilakati and Shihan Lucky Thomo.