MMA brothers Umar and Yasin Edwards made their mark in the IMMAF Africa Youth Championships, returning as medallists.

They brought home silver and bronze medals respectively.

These young fighters from Athlone were part of a 32-member Team SA who travelled to Windhoek, Namibia, a week ago to compete in the prestigious MMA amateur event.

Umar, 17, and Yasin, 15, have become regular participants in IMMAF competitions, having also competed in the World Championships.

The big contingent of South African athletes at the IMMAF games is a key component of a broader strategy to expand the sport of MMA in South Africa.

This focus is yielding results, and the Edwards brothers continue to make a name for themselves while proudly representing South Africa on the international stage.

Dricus du Plessis, a world champion in the UFC, the leading MMA promotion in the world, has already put the spotlight on South Africa’s capabilities in the sport of MMA. His success is inspiring a new generation of fighters, including the Edwards brothers, to pursue excellence in MMA.

The brothers' achievements at such a young age are a testament to their dedication and the growing support of amateur mixed martial artists in South Africa.

Team SA coach, Lyndall Sandenbergh, has been instrumental in promoting amateur MMA sports in Cape Town and is heavily involved in amateur MMA throughout the country. Under her and her team's guidance, the sport is seeing more competition at junior levels and talents like Umar and Yasin have emerged.

Sandenbergh’s commitment to nurturing young fighters is crucial in providing them with opportunities to compete and succeed at higher levels of the sport.

The IMMAF Africa Youth Championships provide a platform for young fighters to test their skills against some of the best emerging talents on the continent.

The experience gained from competing in such high level events is invaluable, offering the Edwards brothers a chance to refine their techniques, understand their competition better and build the mental toughness required for success in MMA.

The brothers' performances in Namibia were nothing short of impressive. Umar, the elder of the two, fought his way to a silver medal. Yasin, following closely in his brother’s footsteps, secured a bronze medal, demonstrating his potential and hunger for success.

Their journey in MMA has been steady with consistent progress and a clear trajectory towards greater things. Participating in international competitions like the IMMAF championships not only hones their fighting skills but also builds their confidence and experience.

The Edwards are prime examples of how dedicated training, guided by experienced coaches like Sandenbergh who want nothing but the best out of the young athletes, can lead to international success. They are just two among the many young blood poised to elevate the sport to new heights.

Members of Team SA who took part in the recent IMMAF in Windhoek, Namibia.

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