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Thandiswa Ntshangase, a Goju Kai karateka from Bizana in the Eastern Cape, has been selected to compete at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports in Brazil.
She is currently completing her Master’s degree in Human Movement Science at the University of Fort Hare (UFH) and trains under the UFH Dojo Karate team within the Border Region.
What is happening?
Ntshangase has secured a place in the South African national team following her performance at a recent University Sport South Africa (USSA) national event.
She was preselected before the competition and confirmed for final selection after a strong showing over the weekend.
The 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports will bring together top university athletes from across the world. Her trip to Brazil in June will mark her first international competition.
According to the university profile , Ntshangase began karate informally with friends while in high school in Bizana. She completed matric in 2021 before enrolling at UFH to study Human Movement Science.
She later joined the UFH Dojo Karate team, training in Goju Kai Do Karate under Sensei Xolani Thobela Tsonkota and Senpai Anele Gqumayo.
Why it matters
Her selection places both UFH and the Eastern Cape on the international university sport stage.
Additionally, it highlights pathways for rural athletes who begin sport informally but progress through structured university programmes.
For young athletes in the region, her journey shows that university sport structures such as USSA can lead to national and international representation.
What you need to know
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Athlete | Thandiswa Ntshangase |
| Age | 22 |
| Hometown | Bizana, Eastern Cape |
| University | University of Fort Hare |
| Field of study | Human Movement Science (Master’s) |
| Sport | Goju Kai Do Karate |
| Event | 2026 FISU World University Championship Combat Sports |
| Location | Brazil |
| Selection pathway | USSA national event performance |
Key points:
- She began karate informally in high school
- Joined UFH Dojo team in second year
- Represented UFH at USSA competitions
- Confirmed for national team after final selection event
- June 2026 will be her first international trip
What you should do next
If you are a student athlete:
- Check eligibility requirements for university sport participation
- Engage with your institution’s sports department early
- Participate in regional and national university competitions
Students at UFH can contact the university sports office for programme details and selection pathways.
For more Eastern Cape sports and education coverage, visit our Local Eastern Cape News section.
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