Judo bronze makes SA’s tally two

South Africa’s Siyabulela Mabulu won bronze in judo on Thursday evening after beating India’s Manjeet Nandal in the 66kg division, to earn South Africa its second medal of the Commonwealth games.

Nandal received shido in 17 seconds, before both competitors were warned in the 38th second.

The bout continued and Nandal swiftly received his third warning that saw Mabulu manage to hold on for victory, despite a shido with just over a minute remaining.

The 26-year-old wasn’t tipped for a medal heading into the games and teammate Daniel le Grange almost added a third Bronze medal in the 60kg category.

“It (the judo medal) was a bit of surprise,” said SA Sports Commission and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) president Gideon Sam.

“I think we are getting our programmes right now. Federations are realising we need to be on the circuit even if it’s in Africa. You get good competition in the north, especially for judo, weightlifting and boxing.”