Every athlete dreams of representing his country at the highest level. The honour of having the national badge over one’s heart is a desire athletes work hard to realise.
However, even though some do receive a call up to the national team, lack of finances can get in the way of their dreams. Total Submission Kickboxing Club, which recently changed its name to Team Rage, has two athletes who have a chance to represent the national team, with only finances standing in their way.
Fourteen-year-old Dyllan Opperman and 17-year-old Karin van Jaarsveldt have both been selected for the Martial Arts South Africa (MASA) team. They have a chance to compete at the World Martial Arts Games taking place at the Ticketpro Dome in October. Dyllan and Karin put themselves into contention for the national team by excelling at the South African Kickboxing Championships in Pretoria earlier this year. Dyllan did so by becoming the official South African Kickboxing Champion while Karin won a silver medal at the competition.
“I train hard and focus on improving my abilities. My goal is to win my category and the title of not only South Africa’s best but the world’s best. Although I don’t know what to expect going into the competition, I will prepare myself for any eventuality,” said Dyllan.
Karin shared his sentiments and added that she has trained hard to reach her current level and be in the national team.
“It took six years of hard work to be where I am. I had to practice against the top kickboxers in the club and they didn’t ever pull their punches because I’m a woman. The coach and members made me tough and determined to achieve as much as I can,” she said.
According to MASA, hosting a world event on home soil gives the country’s athletes the chance to compete at international level, without incurring the cost of international travel. This gives more athletes the opportunity to represent their country. The association has given the kickboxers permission to appeal for donations and sponsors from the community to help fund their trip to the national games. Although the competition is on home soil, athletes will be charged extremely high entry fees.
The club’s head coach, Darrin Opperman, was excited at the prospect of his two pupils competing on the international stage but pleaded with the community to give them assistance. “Travelling costs and entry fees are a natural part of sport but at national and international level they can get a bit steep – that’s why we’re asking the community for a helping hand,” he said.
“This is the first time two kickboxers from our club have been chosen for the national team. We really weren’t expecting this, as our athletes were not favourites going into the competition. Nevertheless, we think it’s a fantastic boost for our club. It also gives the rest of the club members, especially the newer ones, a bit more motivation to work hard and achieve the same success in future,” he said.
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