SIZWE Shongwe learnt his karate skills inside a shack at his kasi four years ago.
The 12-year-old is heading to Japan to compete at the World Shinkyokushinkai Karate Championships in October 2023.
Sizwe from Mountain View zone 2, KwaMhlanga in Mpumalanga, told Daily Sun that he is overjoyed and training hard preparing for the competition.
"I love karate, and it's a blessing for me to get the chance to go and compete at the World Championships in Japan. I want to conquer the world and come back with a medal. I train every day after school and twice during the holidays," he said.
His trainer sensei Themba Lusenga said they are busy preparing for the big event.
"I knew from the start that this kid would go places. I encouraged him to attend training every day and he was never disappointed. Nobody ever thought that from this rusty shack, a champion could come out. We don't even have training equipment," he said.
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Sensei Themba said his biggest worry is funds for the trip. He said they are busy asking for donations for the trip to be a success.
"We need funds for the trip. So, I have decided to host an event on 12 August to celebrate women. The event will be dubbed Imbokodo and held at Kgantsho Primary School. We will sell hot dogs and beverages to raise the funds," he said.
Themba said the karate wonder kid qualified by winning the provincial and national championships.
His father, Themba Shongwe, said it's a like-father-like-son situation.
"I'm very grateful for my son, who exceeded my expectations. During my time, I never reached this stage. Karate has instilled discipline in him, and he is a very good kid," he said.
