NELSON Mandela Bay judoka from different clubs made the region proud with an excellent performance during the South African National Judo trials and national ranking competition held at Pretoria University in Tshwane recently.
Ushiro Judo Academy coach and Nelson Mandela Bay Judo Association chairman, Sensei Mthobeli Gerald Vena, highlighted that the region has a reason to be proud after the players put the Nelson Mandela Bay on the map.
“I am very excited with the performance of our regional team because they did not disappoint us. This region has players that stand a good chance of being selected in the national team,” said Vena.
“Their performance was fantastic and they worked around the clock to achieve these results. They sacrificed everything, but they trained during the weekends in preparation for this tournament. Hard work has indeed paid dividends to our players.”
Vena expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the players who represented ALX Judo Academy, Jigoro Kano Judo Club, Booysen Park Judo Club, MJ’s Judo Club, Budokwai Judo Club, Madibaz Judo and Ushiro Judo Academy. Vena also acknowledged the hard work and dedication from the regional coaches present during the competition.
“Sensei Siyabulela Mabulu, Sensei Pretty Vena, Sensei Xolani Mpongoshe and Sensei Simphiwe Daku did a great job and I am very proud of these coaches. I would like to thank the parents who accompanied us to Pretoria.”
