Alive and Kicking team aims for victory in African champs

In a remarkable achievement, 10 students from Alive and Kicking, a Johannesburg south-based kick-boxing club, have earned their South African presidential colours.

This prestigious honour qualifies them to represent South Africa in the upcoming All-African Championships, scheduled to take place from December 7 to 13 in Benoni.

The journey to this milestone began last year when the students participated in the Gauteng Championships, which qualified them for the SA Championships held at the University of Potchefstroom in February this year.

To secure their spots in the SA team, each student had to win their matches, demonstrating their exceptional skill and determination.

Unfortunately, only five of these talented athletes will be competing in the championships due to availability constraints.

The selected competitors are: Zuhair Hoosen (junior 53kg, K-1 and low kick discipline), Katlego Mokgoto (senior 59kg, K-1 and low kick discipline), Sameer Sayed (senior 85kg, K-1 and low kick discipline), Dehan Calitz (senior 75kg, K-1 and low kick discipline) and Zyon Kollopen (junior 35kg, K-1 and low kick discipline).

According to Juanter Steyn, a seasoned coach with an impressive background in kickboxing, this is a prestige event, and the students had to earn their places in the team against hundreds of potential competitors.

Steyn’s own experience in the sport is a testament to his expertise. He began fighting at the age of 12 in 1992 and went on to become the amateur SA Champion at 14, a title he held until turning professional in 2001.

His impressive record boasts 75 amateur fights with 70 wins and five losses. He competed in the world championships in Vienna, Austria, and was ranked sixth globally.

As a professional, he had 20 fights with 17 wins and three losses, including 11 consecutive wins by KO.
He became the SA champion in three different styles: kickboxing, Thai Boxing, and K-1.

One of his most notable achievements was representing South Africa against the world champion from Canada, winning by unanimous decision over eight rounds.

Now retired from professional fighting with over 30 years of experience, Steyn dedicates his time to coaching the next generation of kickboxers. “We’re incredibly proud of our students’ achievement,” he said.

K-1 kick-boxing is a demanding and intense combat sport that combines professional boxing strikes with powerful kicks and knee strikes. It requires a unique blend of physical skill, mental toughness, and strategy,” Steyn said.

The Alive and Kicking team attends rigorous training at the Gym Company in Winchester Hills, Johannesburg south, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

“Over the past three years, they have worked tirelessly to hone their skills and prepare for the challenges ahead. As they gear up to face more experienced opponents in the All-African Championships, the ‘boys from the south’ are determined to make South Africa proud.

“With steel in their fists and fire in their feet, they’re ready to take on the best of the best and showcase their skills on the international stage,” explained Steyn.

Katlego Mokgoto expressed his pride and gratitude, saying, “It’s an absolute honour representing my country in the African champs. It means so much having this kind of opportunity when many may not get the chance to represent their nation.”

Dehan Calitz shared his sentiments, stating, “Representing South Africa at the African championships is an incredible honour and a reflection of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my kickboxing journey. This tournament is more than just a competition; it’s a chance to showcase the discipline, perseverance, and passion that have brought me here. Wearing the South African colours on stage inspires me to give my best and make my country proud.”

Alive and Kicking wishes the team all the best as they prepare to take on the best of the best in the All-African Championships.