It was a dream come true for five kickboxers from the Legacy Martial Arts Academy when they received a call with the good news that they were selected for the South African team.
Shihan Ruehan van Romburgh of the academy said the Canadian kickboxing team indicated at the end of last year they would be touring South Africa at the end of June, with about 30 fighters.
“With that in mind the athletes trained very hard and competed in all the relevant tournaments to be included in the national team,” he said. “At the end of May I received a call from the president of South Africa Kickboxing Association, Shihan Aslam Mohammed, to inform me five of my athletes had been selected to compete against fighters from the Canadian Kickboxing Team at the second International Test in Melkbos-strand, which took place this weekend.”
Namika Pieterse, Gareth Cupido, Devine Januarie, Lyle Asary and Aiden Brummer couldn’t hide their excitement when they heard they were included in the team. After following a strict programme of training five times a week they were ready for this prestigious event.
On Wednesday 5 July, the Deputy Mayor of the Overstrand, Lindile Ntsabo, congratulated the athletes and wished them well for the tournament. “Sport is something that brings all the people of the Overstrand together,” he said. “Not only does it keep young people busy, but it also keeps them off the streets and away from criminal activities.”
Although nervous, the athletes performed very well. “Two of the five fighters, Namika and Aiden, won their fights,” Van Romburgh said. “Devine and Lyle lost theirs and Gareth lost his in a split decision.” He said the Canadian team won the ring sport on Friday and the South Africans won the tatami division on Saturday. “Canada won the second test and levelled the series after losing against South Africa in Oudtshoorn last week.”
