• The 15-year-old sisters train every day and have medals to show for it, but their family can’t afford the R70,000 they need to travel.

• They qualified for the World Karate-Do Federation Championships after winning medals at the national leg held in Gqeberha in April.

Twin sisters Refiloe and Bokang Doro from Brakpan, Ekurhuleni, have earned their spot to compete on the world stage — but their dreams may be crushed by the cost of getting there.

The 15-year-old karate stars have been chosen to represent South Africa at the 13th World Union of Karate-Do Federations (WUKF) Championships, taking place in Sweden from 9 to 13 July.

To get there, the family must raise R70,000 to cover flights, visas, accommodation, meals and registration fees.

Their mother, Zondi Doro, says they don’t want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance.

“The girls are excited, but we may not be able to afford it,” she said.

The twins started karate at the age of six to spend time with their father, who is also a karateka. Since then, they’ve never looked back.

Refiloe, who holds a junior black belt, won silver in kata at the national tournament in Gqeberha, losing the gold by just half a point. Bokang, who has a brown belt, won bronze in kumite.

Refiloe has already shone on an international level — she took gold in kumite at a Southern African tournament held in Zimbabwe in 2023.

Zondi says her daughters live and breathe karate.

“They wake up at 4am to jog with their dad before school. After school, they go straight to the dojo to train. They’re even working towards becoming junior instructors.”

She believes the world champs will give them the exposure they need to grow in the sport.

“This is their big chance to make their mark internationally.”

The family is appealing for donations to help them raise the money in time.

Pictured above: Bokang and Refiloe Doro.

Image source: Zondi Doro