Kickboxers compete for placement to represent Africa at world combat games

A total of 380 kickboxers from 12 African countries filled the John Barrable Hall to compete in the WAKO Africa Championship from August 26 to 28.

The tournament, hosted by the African Kickboxing Confederation (AKC), was held to select athletes to represent the continent at the World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia next year.

Athletes from countries like Egypt, Mauritius and Senegal put on their gloves, shin guards and headgear and took to the tatami to showcase their skills.

South African Kickboxing Association (SAKA) and AKC president, Aslam Mohammed, told the paper the abundance of talent in the competition has put the continent in good standing to compete against the best in the world.

“We are here to choose the best in Africa. Our athletes are well prepared. We initially had 20 countries but only 12 managed to get visas to come to South Africa for the competition,” he said.

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The sport was officially introduced in the country in 2000 by shihan Pat Carney and has been growing steadily since then.

“We’ve sent an application to the SASCOC Olympics committee. Within a few months, we should be full members of the NOC.

“Kickboxing is one of the fastest growing sporting codes in the country, with over 4 000 athletes in all provinces. We are also close to getting into the Olympic Games,” Mohammed added.

Speaking during the opening ceremony on August 27, SASCOC vice-president Barry Hendricks said the sport deserves its rightful place in the Olympics.

“In the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, I want to see the sport as one of the codes there. I want to see you representing the continent in the world games.

“You determine your future. You must strive to compete against the best in the world. Set your sights on being the best in the world. I want to see you all, including the technical officials, as part of the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.”

Other dignitaries present included outgoing AKC president Emmanuel Essissima, actor and comedian Alfred Ntombela and Karin Miller, City of Ekurhuleni acting HOD for the Department of Sport and Recreation.

Miller said, “It’s a privilege for us to be hosts. It’s been a tough two years because of the pandemic but because of our hotel and sporting facilities and proximity to OR Tambo International Airport, we are well-positioned to host such events,” she said.

When asked about concerns regarding the state of Willowmoore Park, which has been chosen as one of the two venues to host the inaugural ICC Women’s U19 T20 World Cup in January, Miller said, “We’ve already contacted the EMPD and other stakeholders to assist us to ensure that we improve that situation to be a safe environment.

“It’s also one of the facilities we are proud of. We want to make it a positive experience for everyone watching the games.”

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