Despite a demanding schedule packed with national and international kickboxing commitments, Ahmad Mahomed proved that sport and academic excellence can go hand in hand.

The Benoni Muslim School alumnus emerged as one of the top achievers in the 2025 NSC matric examinations, earning an outstanding eight distinctions.

He obtained distinctions in English, Afrikaans FAL, mathematics, physical science, life sciences, life orientation, tourism and accounting.

Shaped by sport and education to become a champion, the Lakefield resident cited faith, discipline and determination as the key drivers to his success.

“We begin by praising the Almighty for granting this remarkable achievement. All success is from Him alone, and we remain deeply grateful for His guidance, mercy and countless blessings,” he said.

Shattering the misconception that high performance often detracts from academic success, Mahomed demonstrated that competitive sport can instil qualities such as focus, time management and mental strength, which are transferable to academic excellence.

Amid a tight academic schedule, he earned his Protea colours from Sascoc in Kickboxing, and in August, he travelled to the World Games in China, returning five days before the start of the preliminary examinations. He received an A aggregate.

Immediately after completing his final exams, the kickboxer departed for Abu Dhabi, where he represented South Africa and medalled at the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations (WAKO) World Kickboxing Championships.

“This balance between academic responsibility and international competition highlights what is possible when determination, discipline and faith work together,” said Ahmad.

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None of this could have been possible without the unwavering support of his parents, coaches and educators, he said.

“Behind every successful learner is a strong and unified support system. My achievements reflect the collective effort of my committed parents, dedicated educators and experienced coaches working hand in hand.”

His father, WAKO Africa and SA Kickboxing Association President Sensei Aslam Mahomed, attributed his son’s success to key humility and commitment to his faith.

“Ahmad’s humbleness, disciplined time management, confidence, dedication, and commitment to prayer have been his greatest strengths. These values, instilled from a young age, have guided Ahmad both in the classroom and on the international sporting stage,” said the sensei.

“My wife and I are proud of Ahmad’s astonishing achievements and humbly thank the Almighty for blessing our son with the ability, character and opportunity to succeed.”

Ahmad will study medicine at the University of Pretoria, where the university’s high-performance centre will allow him to continue competing at an elite level while pursuing his studies.

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