The first weekend of March saw a spectacular gathering of combative athletes from across the Western and Eastern Cape, who all participated in The Battle of the Karoo.
The exciting kickboxing tournament saw two participants from Jeffreys Bay’s Botha’s Kickboxing Academy secure spots on the Eastern Province development team for the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) kickboxing championship.
Shihan Louwrens Botha of Botha’s Kickboxing Academy said that competitors of all ages had competed in, what he describes as a “brilliantly co-ordinated”, tournament in Oudshoorn on March 2, hosted by Shihan Ranger Grebe, a kickboxing instructor in Oudshoorn.
“The tournament had nearly 200 attendees, consisting of fighters, coaches, and referees from the Eastern Cape and Western Cape kickboxing clubs who are all affiliated to the South African Kickboxing Association (SAKA) and the WAKO,” said Botha.
He said that the Eastern Cape clubs were from Kariega, Despatch, Port Alfred, Gqeberha and Jeffreys Bay.
After hard work and dedication, Botha said that two members of Botha’s Kickboxing Academy had secured spots on the EP development team for the WAKO South African kickboxing championship.
The WAKO South African kickboxing championship will take place from April 25 to 28 in Potchefstroom, North West.
“Emile de Klerk in the u/74kg division won three medals in the semi-contact, light continuous, and low-kick light styles, while Tabor Kruger in the u/84kg division won two medals in the semi-contact and light continuous,” said Botha.
“There were a few more of my students who were meant to participate in the tournament, but due to unforeseen circumstances they could not participate. I am, however, proud of the achievements of both Emile and Tabor.”
To participate in the WAKO kickboxing championships, Botha said that De Klerk and Kruger need sponsorship to cover transport and accommodation.
He further said they are very happy about the donations they have received thus far.
For more information or to sponsor the two participants from Botha’s Kickboxing Academy, contact Shihan Louwrens Botha at 072 357 5090.
