Gqeberha’s golden girl returns to the mat with heart, hustle, and hopes of another medal haul at this year’s university championships.
Gqeberha, South Africa (23 June 2025) – Gqeberha-born karateka Luchay Weideman is stepping back onto the mat this June with fire in her heart and gold on her mind. The 22-year-old Madibaz martial artist, who dazzled at last year’s University Sports South Africa (USSA) championships with four gold medals, is aiming to bring that same energy, and then some, to this year’s tournament in Durban.
For Luchay, a Master’s student in human movement science at Nelson Mandela University, the thrill of competition is matched only by her love for the sport and her team.
“Winning gold last year was incredible,” she says, “but now it’s about maintaining that standard, for myself and for my teammates. There’s pressure, sure, but it’s a privilege to feel that.”
With her signature blend of physical grit and mental poise, Luchay is all about pushing her limits. Every session is a step closer to perfecting her technique, staying composed under pressure, and representing her university with pride. She believes that mental strength is just as vital as physical preparation.
“You have to believe in yourself,” she says. “Staying calm and confident makes all the difference, especially when things get tough.”
She’s already shown she’s in top form. Earlier this year, she earned silver in kata and team gold in kumite at the Afro-Asia World Open, held right here in Nelson Mandela Bay, a performance that turned heads and set the tone for her 2025 season.
Now, she’s ready to take on the best of South Africa’s student-athletes at the Durban University of Technology on June 28 and 29.
The Madibaz karate squad heads into the tournament with serious momentum. Last year they scooped up 28 medals, walking away with team gold in full-contact and bronze in semi-contact divisions. That kind of success has sparked a local buzz around karate, drawing fresh talent into the fold, and Luchay couldn’t be more excited.
“We’ve got a few new faces joining us in KZN,” she says. “It’s exciting to see the sport growing, and I’m keen to see how they step up. It’s opening so many doors for the club.”
The Weideman sisters are making it a family affair too; Luchay is on the mat, and her older sister Adré is guiding the semi-contact squad as a mentor. Together with full-contact coach Sango Mbinyashe, they’re aiming for a repeat golden run.
“I definitely believe both teams are in a great position to achieve top results,” Adré says.
With her heart set on gold and her feet grounded in determination, Luchay Weideman is showing South Africa what passion, practice and perseverance can do. We’re cheering her on all the way.
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