South Africa Targets the Podium at the 2026 World Karate Championships
South Africa Targets the Podium at the 2026 World Karate Championships
Following the African Karate Championships in Algeria, the South African national team is turning its attention to the 2026 WKF World Cadet, Junior and U21 Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland.
Known as Bafana Bafana, the South African delegation heads to Poland with ambition and determination, aiming to compete against the world’s best young karatekas and secure places on the podium.
Under the leadership of newly appointed President Sean Ahmed, South African karate is focused on building on its continental experience and strengthening its presence on the international stage.
The team is set to be represented by a delegation of 27 athletes, competing in Kata and Kumite across the Cadet, Junior and U21 categories.
South Africa’s Athletes in Poland
Cadet Category
- Bosman Ethan — Male Kumite -57 kg
- De Jager Anke — Female Kumite -54 kg
- Jacobs Tristan — Male Kata
- Mbatha Thabo — Male Kumite -52 kg
- Naidoo Chloe — Female Kata
- Van Zyl Kaleb — Male Kumite -63 kg
- Viljoen Megan — Female Kumite +61 kg
Junior Category
- Acut t Tyler — Male Kumite -68 kg
- Cruz Rio — Male Kata
- Govender Kiara — Female Kumite -48 kg
- Janse van Rensburg Mia — Female Kumite -59 kg
- Maree Daniel — Male Kumite -76 kg
- Nortje Lukas — Male Kumite +76 kg
- Pienaar Hannah — Female Kata
U21 Category
- Beukes Shane — Male Kumite -75 kg
- De Wet Reinardt — Male Kumite +84 kg
- Du Plessis Carla — Female Kumite -61 kg
- Khoza Nkosinathi — Male Kumite -60 kg
- Luff Carla — Female Kumite -68 kg
- Schoeman Liam — Male Kata
- Steyn Zoe — Female Kata
- Van der Merwe Janka — Female Kumite -55 kg
- Xulu Siphosethu — Male Kumite -67 kg
Aiming for the World Championship Podium
The World Championships represent a major opportunity for South Africa’s young karatekas to demonstrate their skills, gain valuable international experience and challenge the leading nations in world karate.
The Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) wishes the South African delegation every success in Bielsko-Biała. As the athletes prepare to represent their country and continent, the UFAK encourages them to compete with discipline, confidence and determination.
Good luck to Team South Africa in Poland!
