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Alive and Kickboxing Fighters Advance to Nationals
Fighters from Alive and Kickboxing delivered a stellar performance at the Gauteng Championships, held from February 22 to 25 at John Marble Hall in Benoni. Their impressive displays earned them multiple podium finishes, with all seven competitors qualifying for the South African Championships in Newcastle from April 26 to 29.
Outstanding Performances Earn Podium Finishes
Each fighter showcased remarkable skill and determination, securing top positions in their respective categories:
- Katie Valla (32): Silver, U74kg
- Muhammad Yusuf (18): Gold, U60kg
- Mikaheel Harwood (17): Gold, U67kg
- Jeavon Davids (10): Silver, U44kg
- Muhammed Mulla (18): Gold, U60kg
- Dehan Calitz (18): Gold, U75kg
- Yaseen Ismail (18): Silver, U73kg
Coach Juante Steyn credited the team’s success to their intense training regimen, which was further enhanced with endurance-focused exercises leading up to the event.
“Our training standards are already very high, but we increased roadwork and running to improve stamina. This helped the fighters maintain their strength throughout their matches,” said Steyn.
Several standout performances made an impact, with Mikaheel Harwood delivering an unforgettable match.
“Mikaheel fought like a true champion. His clean knee strikes left his opponent bloodied, thrilling the crowd,” Steyn added.
Beyond individual victories, Alive and Kickboxing continues to expand, attracting fresh talent every year.
“Our club keeps growing, with new fighters achieving great things in a short time. Fighters may come and go due to life commitments, but we have built a strong foundation, and growth will always be part of our journey,” said Steyn.
With a national competition on the horizon, the fighters are eager to test themselves at a higher level.
“It’s an honour to compete at nationals, where we can match our skills against experienced fighters. A strong performance could even open the door to the national team and international events,” Steyn noted.
For Mikaheel Harwood, his gold medal was a proud moment, but he remains focused on improving.
“I’m happy with my fight, but there’s always room for growth. I learned a lot and will keep getting better,” he said.
The challenge, he admitted, was managing nerves before stepping into the ring.
“Nerves keep you sharp and ready. Winning gold was amazing, and I know there are more exciting fights ahead.”
Fellow gold medalist Muhammed Mulla emphasized the team spirit that helped them succeed.
“Qualifying for nationals is a huge achievement. We worked hard, trained hard, and fought hard for this. We stood by each other, and our supporters were proud of what we accomplished,” he said.
With their sights now set on Newcastle, the team is determined to raise their game and compete against South Africa’s best.
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Sourced:Comrado Chronicle
