Kickboxing athletes. (-)
South Sudanese kickboxing fighters are competing in the East African Kickboxing Challenge 3 at Nyakuron Cultural Center in Juba on Saturday in a historic showdown that will see participation of fellow mixed martial artists (MMA) from the region.
South Sudan’s kickboxing champion Majok Gau will fight Rabik Sani of Ethiopia, while his countryman Wizy will take on Kenyan champion Biko in the main category.
Winners of Saturday match will represent East Africa in Thailand in the upcoming Championships Matchs.
In the other matches, South Sudanese kickboxers will compete among themselves with Sky vs Francis, Lelang vs Peter, Diing vs Kervino and Kenyi vs Black.
East Africa’s Kickboxing Coach Poru Okelo said he is anticipating the competition with optimism and excitement.
Okelo also appreciated the dedication and preparation of the fighters who are eager to improve and compete in the competition.
He said the experience gained in such events is more important than the match results in developing the talent and potential of athletes.
In an interview with Eye Radio, Okelo encouraged athletes to focus on growth and personal development in their sporting journeys.
“Tomorrow’s event is going to be one of the best. It is the beginning of the year, and it’s also a showcase between Ethiopia and South Sudan, which never happened before,” he said.
“I know they’ve been training. Rafiq came all the way from Addis with the full confidence. He wants also to improve himself. And I hope he’s going to do well tomorrow. It’s going to be like almost an even event.”
“Sport is all about you giving what you get. And it’s not about winning or losing, but about the experience and posturing of your talent, and also unlock your potential, and this is why I try to push all these young people every time.”
On his part, James Majok, the South Sudanese kickboxing champion, anticipated this match as the best fight of the year and a promising beginning to the New Year, reflecting his confidence and enthusiasm for the event.
“I’m the one representing South Sudan, so I don’t want to let this flag down. So I always represent South Sudan. Now we have East Africa Challenge, my opponent is here, so I’m ready for the fight.”
“I think it’s the best fight of the year, so beginning in January. So it’s the opening of the New Year, so I think it should be the best one.”
Meanwhile, Rabik Sani, the Ethiopian kickboxing champion, expresses his readiness for the upcoming tournament, stating that he feels born ready for this opportunity.
“I am very ready and I am born ready for this kind of tournament and I would like to thank Master Furu for giving me this opportunity, and this is an opportunity for me to excel and become the best, and I’m ready for tomorrow.”
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