The all female, Kimberley-based Taekwondo team with its president David Kok at back centre. Two of the team members – Donica Tafel (left) and Jay-dean Kaars (right) – will be representing Team SA at the Region Five Games in Malawi. Picture: Supplied
TWO JUNIOR Taekwondo practitioners from Kimberley, have been selected to form part of the South African Taekwondo Federation’s (SATF) delegation that will take part in the African Union Sports Council’s (AUSC) Region Five Games that will take place in Lilongwe, Malawi from December 2-12.
Jay-dean Kaars and teammate Donica Tafel have been drafted into the SA Taekwondo team and a proud SATF president David Kok spoke to the DFA “From SATF we have two female athletes from Kimberley, Northern Cape, to represent us this year in a competition that has produced many Olympians for South Africa in the past years … we are so proud for their exposure to groom them to become Olympians too in the near future.
“I’m super proud of these girls,” Kok added. “They have truly showcased their talent through their hard work and commitment to the sport that they can reach that level of competency.”
Kok also extended his gratitude to those who have been supporting the federation. “Thanks for all the support we continue to receive, even though not by physical presence but by words of wisdom to encourage them.”
The South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) earlier this month announced a powerful squad of 209 athletes to compete across 11 different sporting codes for the 2022 Region Five Games.
This year marks the 10th occasion that the Games are held. They are expected to attract 3,000 athletes in total from 10 southern African countries.
South Africa is traditionally one of the most successful nations at the event. Last year an executive decision was made to withdraw Team SA from the Games midway through the competition, following an outbreak of Covid-19 at the event.
Despite SA’s withdrawal, with the track and field programmes still to be completed, Team SA still managed to top the overall medals table.
Team SA’s Taekwondo Team
Kefilwe Kgouwe: Female 41kg (Flyweight)
Jay-dean Kaars: Female 49kg (Featherweight)
Donica Tafel: Female 52kg (Lightweight)
Inolofatseng Kekae: Female 51kg (Finweight)
Thokozane Bhila: Male 58kg (Bantamweight)
Management: Duncan Mahlangu: Male (head coach), Natacia Mokoka: Female (manager)
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