The Northern Cape kickboxing team made a powerful statement at the 2025 South African (SA) Kickboxing Championships.
Led by head coach and seasoned martial artist Shihan David Mac Vay, the squad consisted of 18 fighters, of which 17 of them stood on the podium at the event in Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, from 26 to 30 April.
The medal tally for the SA Open and national championship is 21 gold medals, 14 silver, and 8 bronze.
“This is a reflection of the team’s skill, discipline, and preparation,” says Mac Vay.
The team walked away with 15 SA Championship titles across various categories, including tatami and ring events.
The Northern Cape also claimed second place place in the SA Open Tournament and secured fourth place overall in the national standings, which is described as an outstanding achievement considering the size of the team.
The fighters displayed exceptional sportsmanship throughout the tournament, serving as role models on and off the mat. Their conduct, passion, and perseverance captured the spirit of true martial artists and left a lasting impression on peers and spectators alike.
Members representing Northern Cape
The team members who represented the Northern Cape, in categories point fighting (PF), light continuous (LC), kick light (KL) and musical forms (MF) are:
- Ezzray Julius (2nd PF);
- Tristan Julius (1st PF; 3rd KL, LC and MF);
- Liya Magadlela (1st PF and KL; 2nd LC and MF);
- Jannie Strauss (1st MF; 2nd KL, LC and PF);
- Sithe Magadlela (1st LC, PF);
- Luan Buys (1st PF; 2nd LC and KL);
- Aiden Erasmus (1st LC and KL; 2nd PF);
- Zian van der Merwe;
- Louise Lotter (1st LC and KL; 3rd PF);
- Duan Erasmus (3rd KL);
- Liam Pieterse (2nd LC and KL;3rd PF);
- Jayden Jacobs (1st KL; 2nd LC);
- Lourens Jacobs (1st LC and KL);
- Alicia Kock (1st KL and LC; 2nd PF);
- Jacques Kühn (1st ring K1);
- Jeandré Kühn (1st ring low kick – LK);
- Lylle Pieterse (1st LC and KL; 2nd PF; 2nd Champ of Champs); and
- David Mac Vay (3rd PF, LC and KL).
The coaching team consisted of Ian Strauss, Natasja Mac Vay, Shone Pieterse, Sivuyesiwe Magadlela, Jacques Kuhn, Lylle Pieterse and David Mac Vay, with Werner Buys and David as referees.
Tristan, Liya, Jannie, Sithe, Luan, Jayden, Lourens, Alicia and Lylle are Tatami SA champions, while Jacques and Jeandré are Ring SA champions.
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