ACKB Fight Club kickboxer and Germiston rising star Evan du Plessis has secured his place on the South African team competing at the WAKO Youth World Kickboxing Championships in Jesolo, Italy, from September 18 to 27.

The 10-year-old, who trains in Alberton under sensei Yvette Schlotfeldt, earned his place after finishing second at the South African National Championships earlier this year.

He will compete in the U47kg Young Cadets Points Fighting division.

A young athlete with big dreams

Although Evan has only specialised in kickboxing for the past two years, his martial arts journey began at three years old in mixed martial arts.

“I wanted to be myself and it’s so much fun,” he said.

The Grade Five learner at Laerskool Orion said being selected to represent South Africa is one of the proudest moments of his young sporting career.

“I feel very happy. I’m happy to be able to do that,” and sharing his goal for Italy, he said, “I want to give my best. I hope to win a medal.”

Dedicated to success

Preparing for a world championship demands discipline, and Evan’s schedule reflects that commitment.
He trains at ACKB Fight Club twice a week, works with a private coach at home twice a week and attends additional weekend sessions to prepare for the international competition.

On the remaining days, he completes fitness training.

“There isn’t a day where he doesn’t do some form of fitness or training,” said his mother, Nicole.

Away from kickboxing, Evan also plays rugby, swims competitively, enjoys athletics, performs well academically and loves spending time outdoors hiking, visiting the beach, gaming and being with his friends and younger brother.

According to Nicole, balancing schoolwork with his busy sporting calendar is one of the family’s biggest challenges.

“During exam times it becomes difficult because he also plays rugby and swims. Every day after school there is some kind of training.”

Sport runs in the family

Nicole said Evan’s sporting talent runs in the family.

Her father, Evan’s grandfather, was an accomplished boxer and rugby player who also became a South African swimming champion. She believes his passion for sport has been passed down through the family

“He’s been sporty since day one,” she said.

She credits Evan’s coaches for helping him stay motivated.

“When he feels negative, his coach has a special way of talking to him and lifting his spirits again. He loves that about her.”

Community support needed

Competing at the World Championships comes at a considerable cost.

The South African Kickboxing Association estimates participation costs at approximately R55 000 per athlete, excluding exchange rate fluctuations.

Nicole estimates Evan’s total expenses, including compulsory team clothing and travel-related costs, will amount to about R65 000.

“So far we’ve only managed to raise about R5 000,” she said.

The family has launched a BackaBuddy campaign, Evan du Plessis – World Championship Dream, two raffles and a fundraising evening at the Barnyard Theatre at Emperors Palace on July 3 to help cover the costs.

Businesses can also support Evan through the South African Kickboxing Association’s official sponsorship programme, which allows qualifying companies to sponsor athletes through the association. Nicole hopes the Alberton community will get behind the young ACKB Fight Club athlete.

“I would be very thankful for any support. We have talented young athletes in South Africa, but we don’t always receive the support they need. We need to invest in our children and give them opportunities to achieve their dreams.”

Community members or businesses interested in supporting Evan or purchasing tickets for the fundraising event can contact Nicole at 081 407 4269.