Times Of Swaziland: SIBONELO (10) EYES WORLD CUP

SIBONELO (10) EYES WORLD CUP
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BY CHRIS DLAMINI on 04/12/2019 01:22:00


MATSAPHA – He is proving to be the next best thing for the country’s Oyama
Kyokushinkaikan Karate.
The 10-year-old champ of champs after winning the under-10 years boys’
category in last Saturday’s STANLIB Eswatini Oyama Karate Champ of Champs 2019
edition, sees himself going beyond the borders through his talent.
That is Sibonelo Dlamini, who won his title after two knockout wins against his
only two rivals on the day at the Correctional Services Gymnasium Hall this past
Saturday.
He fought against Sandziso Mbhamali and knocked him out before doing same in the
final against Brilliant Mlotjwa.
Challenge
“I had no challenge at all. My opponents were weak but I am glad to defend my
title as that was my mission. Even my instructor Sensei Thabo is happy as I had
told him this was coming home and I did it. He also trusted me a lot.
“I won the division with knockouts back in June when we had a junior’s
tournament and it felt good as that was my first since I started training last
year at Vulamasango dojo (club).
‘‘I have dreams to fight outside the country and in the World Cup one
day,” he said.
World-renowned
The spin kick master whose moves left fans at the edge of their seats admires
world-renowned martial arts instructor in Michael Ward, who is 22 years old with
eight years of experience and training in kickboxing. Ward trains cadets and
adults in martial arts and kickboxing.
Meanwhile, Dlamini and other fellow winners were presented with trophies by the
country’s Oyama association leadership including President Shihan Mfanafuthi
Vilakati and the karate federation President Shihan Lucky Thomo and visiting
Shihan Noah Bhembe as South Africa also attended the annual tournament.