SA team wins Africa Youth Kung Fu Championships

Chandre Appels|Published 2 years ago

The South African youth kung fu team placed first at the Africa Youth Kung Fu Championships held in Goodwood recently.

About 90 martial arts contestants, aged 10 to 19, from South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania and Mauritius competed in a variety of events during the event on Saturday March 4 and Sunday March 5.

The South African team of 35 youngsters won 21 gold medals, six silver medals, and six bronze medals.

“This is a proud moment for me. My students gave it their all and showed their competitive edge against their African counterparts,” said Muhammad Junaid Chafeker, the team’s coach and championship host.

“South Africa's toughest competition came from the Botswana youth kung fu team, a squad of 27 athletes, who came in second place with five gold, three silver and three bronze medals,” he said.

Mr Chafeker, a Legends of Kung Fu World Martial Arts champion, said he hoped the championship would become an annual event with more teams competing.

“The USA, Brazil, Mexico, and Hong Kong are also keen on sending youth teams in 2024,” he said.

In first place, Saifullah Chafeker, of Bellville, won five gold medals and one silver; in second place, Sinawo Yola, of Gugulethu, won two gold, one silver and one bronze medal; and in third place Raihan Abdullah, of Goodwood, won one gold, one silver, and one bronze.

Martial artists competing in the full-contact Chinese kickboxing division.

At the championship, from left, are Cedar Primary School principal Carlin Symons, People's Republic of China consul Wang Qing Quan, ward councillor Cecile Janse van Rensburg, championship host Muhammad Junaid Chafeker, Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC Anroux Marais, Zimbabwean kung fu coach Shifu Chillito, MOT SA national director Viola Manuel, and programme director Salmaan Chafeker.