After Jeffreys Bay-based Kickboxing Organisation of South Africa (KOSA) hosted its inaugural East Coast Elephant Open in 2023, the event has grown exponentially.
To cater to the increase in demand, the organisation will be hosting this year’s kickboxing tournament at the Ernest Swanepoel Hall in Despatch on October 12 and is expecting clubs from the Eastern Cape and Western Cape.
As previously reported, KOSA was established in March 2023 and hosted its first major tournament, the East Coast Elephant Open at Fountains Mall, Jeffreys Bay in October last year.
KOSA was established as a national body in the country focusing on kickboxing and its various modes of competition.
The organisation is affiliated with Martial Arts South Africa (MASA) nationally, World Kickboxing Association (WKA), and World Kickboxing Federation (WKF) internationally.
Sensei Gerhard Coetzee, Eastern Cape KOSA representative, said that the East Coast Elephant Open has expanded its reach.
Following the successful 2023 event, which drew participation from various Eastern Cape clubs, this year’s tournament will welcome clubs from the Western Cape, further solidifying its regional presence.
“After last year’s huge success, it seems that a lot more fighters want to take part in the tournament.”
He said that resulting from the significant increase in participant numbers, finding a suitable venuein Jeffreys Bay or Humansdorp proved challenging.
However, Coetzee said that the Ernest Swanepoel Hall in Despatch has been secured, providing ample space to accommodate the expanded kickboxing event.
“The venue in Despatch is perfect because it is central which means that the clubs from Despatch, Kariega, Greenbushes, Gqeberha, Humansdorp, Jeffreys Bay, Calitzdorp, and Plettenberg Bay can all attend the event,” said Coetzee.
“We are very excited about hosting our second annual East Coast Elephant Open.”
