ANDILE QUALIFIES FOR JAPAN COMP

MBABANE – Andile Masilela has raised the country’s flag even higher. This follows his participation in the inaugural World Full Contact Karate Organisation (WFKO) Africa Branch Selection Tournament, which took place this past Saturday, in Germiston, South Africa. Masilela was the only athlete from the country to qualify for the competition, which is set to occur in four months in Asia. The tournament was organised by the Full Contact Karate Organisation of South Africa, aiming at selecting athletes for the upcoming first World Full Contact Karate competition, scheduled to be held in Japan in May, this year.

This information was shared by Nonhlanhla Dlamini, the Secretary General of the Eswatini Shinkyokushin Kai Karate Association (ESKKA). “The Eswatini Shinkyokushin Kai Karate athletes, as representatives of the country, performed admirably, and Andile Masilela qualified in first position, which was the selection criterion of the competition, and he will be going to Japan,” said Dlamini. It was also noted that other representatives from the country secured third place, while Siviwe Hlophe was named the best fighter of the tournament. ESKKA also acknowledged the support of sponsors that have consistently been strong supporters of the ESKKA.

“They have provided financial support to the team during their preparations for the tournament, and we are grateful to the management for allowing the fighters to ensure we send a strong team,” added Dlamini. She further emphasised that the athletes returned home in good health, remaining optimistic that they will work diligently at their dojos in preparation for the next competition, which is set for April 5-6, 2025, in Matlosana, South Africa. In addition to the WFKO tournament, there are several other competitions that have similarly stringent qualifying criteria.




This includes the Olympic Games, where athletes must meet specific performance standards and qualify through national and international competitions.

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