From local rings to global recognition: Vibrant Gym hosts WKN South Africa Open
Yandisa Ngqwarhu drops his opponent, Langlet Bradley of Reunion Island.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Coach Josh Cloete believes that if they don’t step up to support local kickboxers, no one else will. That belief continues to drive his relentless efforts to grow the sport of kickboxing in Cape Town. Over the weekend, Cloete and his team from Vibrant Gym were back in action as they hosted the World Kickboxing Network (WKN) South Africa Open Championships in Lotus River.
The tournament drew fighters from clubs across South Africa, as well as a strong contingent from Reunion Island, showcasing the growing appeal and competitiveness of the local kickboxing scene.
Plumstead's Frank Ngoka looks to connect up high with his fight against Reunion's Morby Stevens during Saturday's World Kickboxing Network (WKN) South Africa Open Championships, at Plantation Road Primary School, in Lotus River.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
“Our South African fighters have shown that we are operating at an international level,” said Cloete. “The only way to measure ourselves is to compete on international platforms, and that’s exactly what this kind of tournament brings to the table.”
The championships, held at Plantation Primary School, saw clubs such as Junxion, Bushido, Mitchell's Plain Kickboxing and Troublemakers square off against their international counterparts in a series of thrilling bouts.
Tolga Abrahams from Mitchells Plain Kickboxing takes on Aron Chauke from Junxion Kickboxing and Boxing club during Saturday's WKN Open, in Lotus River.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Results from the event will be captured by Boxrec, a global boxing and kickboxing database. This recognition not only gives fighters credible, verified records but also opens doors for international exposure.
“This means our fighters from Cape Town could get invited to compete beyond South African borders,” Cloete explained. “And with that comes the potential to earn income from their talent, something that’s vital for the sustainability of the sport.”
Rais Hoosain from Ottery-based Bushido MMA spiritually celebrates his first-round stoppage win against Junxion Kickboxing's Alwin Domingo.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Among the standout performers of the weekend was Yandisa Ngqwarhu from Junxion, whose precision striking and raw power impressed both fans and judges. He claimed victory in his bout against Reunion Island’s Langlet Bradley.
Also catching the eye were Troublemakers’ Frank Ngoka and Mitchell's Plain Kickboxing’s Tolga Abrahams, both young fighters considered among the most exciting prospects in the local scene. As they continue to develop their skills, events like this offer an essential platform to gain experience and recognition.
Bushido MMA teammates Rumaysa Tape and Lia Lewis also took to the ring for light contact match.
Image: Buntu Gotywa