QuanWessels athletes to represent SA at IMMAF Youth World Championships in Abu Dhabi
Several members of the team have been selected to represent South Africa at the prestigious International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) Youth World Championships, taking place in Abu Dhabi this July.
Under the banner of Mixed Martial Arts South Africa (MMASA), the national championships showcased the country's top junior talent, and QuanWessels made their mark.
'It is with great pride, watching our boys mature into quality junior athletes with 10 years of planning coming into fruition,' said coach Norman 'Chef' Wessels.
Also read: 13-year-old MMA star needs support to compete for SA in Abu Dhabi
'They are a small but quality group of youngsters, going to represent QuanWessels and our country,' added another coach Richard Quan. 'They have done the hours and continue to grow, learn, and mature in our programme. All they need to do now is get on top, stay on top, finish, and win.'
The IMMAF Youth World Championships is the premier stage for young mixed martial artists aged 8 to 17, bringing together top athletes from across the globe. For many, it represents a once-in-a-lifetime chance to compete internationally.
For Nicholas Sears (13), the road to nationals was not without obstacles. 'It was a major struggle to balance training for nationals while studying for exams at the same time. I just put my head down and dealt with it. Did what I needed to do.'
When asked what he would say to his future self before stepping into the cage in Dubai, he said: 'You are gonna 'Fight to the Death' no matter what happens.'
ALso read: EFC fighters eye what they want for the future
Another team member, Logan Brown, spoke about the personal growth he's experienced through training at QuanWessels. 'I am a lot more confident and comfortable walking around, knowing I can defend myself. I am very excited to compete for South Africa, and to see how I compare to other athletes in other countries.'
Even athletes not on the national team, like Stefan van Rooyen, are making the journey to Abu Dhabi to support their teammates. 'Before a big fight, I stay calm by listening to music, doing some light stretching, and visualising the match in my head.' As for his inspiration in the sport, he named UFC star Paddy Pimblett. 'He's fearless, entertaining, and always brings energy to the cage.'
For Tiano Marko Massimo Frau, another standout competitor, the opportunity means everything. 'I feel really good. It is really a huge and a great opportunity for me to show the world that, as a South African, we can compete at the highest levels. Never give up, through any struggle, keep training and you will persevere.'
Also read: Star-studded EFC 123 card features international matchups
While the achievement is historic, the athletes now face a new challenge: Raising funds to cover the costs of travel, accommodation, and gear. 'We're calling on businesses, sponsors, and supporters to help get our kids to the world championships,' said Wessels. 'These children are making South Africa proud. They just need a little help to get there.'
Details: [email protected]
Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok for the latest updates and inspiration! Have a story idea? We'd love to hear from you – join our WhatsApp group and share your thoughts!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
25 minutes ago
- The South African
Former Bafana Bafana star missing for a MONTH
Over a month has passed since former Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Thando Mngomeni was last seen, prompting urgent appeals from his family and growing concern from South Africa's football community. Mngomeni, now 42, was last seen in mid-June, and has not made contact with family or friends since. His sudden disappearance has sparked widespread anxiety and a nationwide search effort. His brother, Thabo Mngomeni, a former Orlando Pirates midfielder, and other family members have called on the public to help trace the missing footballer. Their fears were compounded this week following the death of Zanyiwe Martins, a person close to Thando, who the family believes he would have made every effort to see if he could. In a Facebook post, family friend Mark Totoyi wrote: 'Family and friends are deeply concerned as Thando Mngomeni has been missing for almost a month now… We are appealing to anyone who might have seen him or has any information about his whereabouts to please urgently reach out to the family. Your assistance could help us bring Thando home safely.' The post has since been widely shared across social media as the search intensifies, with former team-mates and supporters joining the call for information. Despite a few leads being pursued, there have been no confirmed sightings of Mngomeni, and the silence surrounding his whereabouts is growing increasingly distressing. The Mngomeni family have requested that anyone with information to please come forward, no matter how minor it may seem. He hails from Gugulethu on the Cape Flats and is the younger brother of former Orlando Pirates player and South African international Thabo Mngomeni. Mngomeni spent a season and a half in Sweden with Helsingborgs IF and made 29 appearances before returning to South Africa claiming he could not cope living abroad. He returned to Santos after semi-retirement and impressed with some good performances during the 2007/08 season. He signed for Mamelodi Sundowns (16 matches) and moved to Bidvest Wits (43 matches) after a year and half. He played five matches for Bafana Bafana between 2004 and 2007. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Drip check! Kaizer Chiefs unveil 2025/26 kit - style tips to slay it on the streets
Whether you're cheering from the stands or stepping out in style, there are countless ways to rock your Amakhosi jersey with fashion flair. Image: Supplied The 2025/26 football season is here, and with it comes one of the most exciting traditions in the sport: new kits. Leading the charge in the Betway Premiership are Kaizer Chiefs, who recently unveiled their striking new home and away jerseys in collaboration with Italian technical sponsor Kappa. More than just match-day gear, the new designs draw inspiration from African culture, creativity and identity, making them a celebration of both heritage and style. The home jersey is a powerful nod to tradition. Dominated by the club's iconic gold, it features bold black sleeve patterns and a sleek black collar. It's a design that proudly honours the team's legacy, described by the club as 'unapologetically Kaizer Chiefs'. The away jersey, on the other hand, takes a daring step into fashion-forward territory. Featuring a stylish grey and gold colourway with camouflage-style textures, it draws influence from animal hides used in traditional African shields - a subtle yet strong reference to battle-readiness and pride. South African actor and a proud Amakhosi supporter, Wiseman Mncube, was among the first to showcase the jersey to fans. Sharing a photo of himself in the new kit, accessorised with dark shades, Mncube gushed: 'Allow me to introduce our beautiful new Kaizer Chiefs jersey... ishuuuu Motauuuuuuuuuung! Kaizer Chiefs and Kappa, you outdid yourselves. It's too much!' The jerseys have also drawn praise from fans across social media. One user wrote: 'Love this, I'm definitely getting it for Saturday's game.' A second user wrote: 'I rate it 10/10. As always, @kappa_sa never disappoints.' Another wrote: 'Okay, I like it. It might be my first ever Chiefs kit that I buy in my entire existence.' While a fourth stated: 'I'm not a Kaizer Chiefs fan, but Kappa ate here. The away jersey is 🔥.' Jessica Motaung, Chiefs' marketing and commercial director, highlighted the emotional connection behind the kits: 'We returned to our roots with the home jersey, staying true to the colours we are known for. The away jersey always allows us to play around a bit … it's a symbol of fashion, art and creativity.' Fans won't have to wait long to see the kits in action. The club will debut the new look on Saturday, July 26, when they face Asante Kotoko in the Toyota Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium. Whether you're watching the match or hitting the streets, here's how to wear your Amakhosi jersey with fashion flair: Go oversized A size up is a style win. Rock an oversized jersey with baggy jeans or cargo pants. Add sneakers, and don't forget the confidence. This laid-back look channels effortless cool with a sporty edge. Crop it Cropped jerseys are trending hard, especially among Gen Z. DIY your jersey into a crop top or tie it in the back. Pair with high-waisted jeans, pleated mini skirts or bike shorts for a fashion-forward, sporty-chic moment. Accessorise Channel Mncube's look by adding shades, chains or a bucket hat. The jersey is your canvas - make it pop with personal flair. Mix it with tailored pieces For a high-fashion twist, pair your jersey with a blazer or tailored trousers. It's bold, stylish and front-row ready.
The South African
an hour ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs contact Patrick Mayo over son's availability
Kaizer Chiefs have made a direct approach to former Bafana Bafana star Patrick Mayo, enquiring about the potential availability of his son, Khanyisa Mayo. The elder Mayo revealed that the club reached out to him recently, but he stressed that any potential move does not rest in his hands. Chiefs spoke to me about my son, Mayo Senior said. But the decision lies with the club in Algeria and with Khanyisa himself. Khanyisa's agent, Basia Michaels of QT Sports, swiftly addressed the speculation by reaffirming the striker's commitment to his current club, CR Belouizdad. She confirmed that the player remains under contract and has no intention of leaving the Algerian side at this time. 'Khanyisa currently has two years left on his contract with CRB. He is currently in Algeria. He arrived on Sunday and they started training yesterday (Monday),' Michaels said. 'I have had no communication with Chiefs about Khanyisa. The only communication I had with Chiefs is communications of the past.' Michaels went on to clarify that there have been no transfer talks or offers regarding the former Cape Town City forward. 'At this present moment, this is not a thing. Why? Because Khanyisa has a contract at CRB. He's got two years left and he's happy to stay there. He wants to continue that journey. I've received no offers for Khanyisa because he had just signed a deal a year ago.' Despite the agent's dismissal, Chiefs continue to search for firepower up front as the transfer window edges closer to its end. Khanyisa Mayo remains one of the names reportedly under consideration. But any real movement would depend on CR Belouizdad's stance and the player's own interest in a return to the Premiership. Should Mayo leave Algeria for Kaizer Chiefs? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.
