Shakashead fighters off to World Champs

Two Shakashead Marshal Arts Club (SMAC) pupils qualified for the Taekwando World Championships after they displayed impeccable fighting skills at the KZN open taekwando championships on February 22.
SMAC’s fighter and instructor Lucky Ndlovu and his protégée Samukelo Maphumulo qualified to represent South Africa in the world championships – to be held in Italy from July 21 to 27 this year.
The tournament, which was held at the Tongaat Sports Centre, attracted fighters from around the province.
“It is always a great honour to represent my country and although Samukelo and I have done it before, it always feel like a new experience because you want the honour of bringing home the silverware,” said Ndlovu.
Ndlovu, a three time black belt taekwando world champion, said more of his Shakashead fighters still had a room to qualify for the world champs because the selection process was still in the early stages.
“Next month I am taking some of them to Johannesburg to fight in selection tournaments and hopefully more that just two people from SMAC will get a chance to go to Italy because my dream is for the young fighters to experience the pride that goes with representing their country,” he said.
Ndlovu’s “young warriors” from Ballito also proved their metal. Jordan Conde took home two silver medals for sparring and Humphrey Magwaza received a gold for sparring and silver for patterns.
The other 30 fighters from Shakashead did not come back from Tongaat empty handed. The over 30 strong squad brought home nine gold, six silver and seven bronze medals. They also bestowed pride on Ndlovu by receiving the trophy for being the best taekwando club of 2014.
“Most of my fighters come from disadvantaged backgrounds, but when they get in the ring they show more strength and courage than I have ever seen in my life,” said Ndlovu.
He said he was looking for people to sponsor his troop with fighting gear, even if it was second hand. For more information contact Ndlovu on 072 314 2351.         See more photos at www.northcoastcourier.co.za