Mandeni’s Zama Ntinga is fresh off a win in her first organised fight and now looks towards a professional future in mixed martial arts (MMA).

The enterprising 18-year-old has lived at the Blessed Gérard Care Centre in Mandeni since the age of 14 and has an unshakeable spirit to compete.

She first tried a few sports at school, but it was during a trip to the Wolverine’s Warriors Gym – run by three-time world kickboxing champion Tollie Enslin – that she discovered her true passion.

“There were seven or eight kids that joined at that time but they slowly dropped away. Zama just had that will to keep going and get better,” said Enslin, who now doubles as her coach.

That first session was at the start of 2021 and now, three years later, she is a national age group champion and claimed her first organised fight in Durban last Sunday.

She was taken to all three rounds by Linda Brazza in the 55-57kg category but it was clear who had the superior fight and Zama won on points.

It is the culmination of years of blood, sweat and tears in the well-hidden but perfectly appointed fighting gym in an otherwise unused Mandeni Sports Club building.

“When I first came to the gym I didn’t really know what to expect, but the more I trained the more I enjoyed it,” said Zama.

“Since then I’ve trained Monday to Thursday every week to try and become the best fighter possible.”

Zama was shy when asked by the Courier what her fighting strengths are, but Enslin took the opportunity to lavish praise on the youngster.

“She really has taken to the different disciplines,” said Enslin.

“She is good standing up with her boxing and kickboxing and was a quick learner when it came to wrestling and groundwork.”

Zama’s fight in Durban last weekend showed the full range of styles she has become comfortable with.

It is the first step in a journey towards a career in the sport, which has seen exponential growth over the past decade but still lacks proper funding locally.

“From here she will start to grow her name and will hopefully be invited to compete in the Versus MMA in Johannesburg, which is a pathway to becoming professional,” said Enslin.

If she does well there, a call-up to the Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) could follow.

Enslin, for one, has no doubt Zama has what it takes to go the distance.

“Whatever her level of fighting has been, Zama has always had more than enough heart. She has taken on bigger and older girls and never shied away from competition.”

If you would like to support her journey, you can reach out to Blessed Gérard Care Centre finance manager, Angelee Botha at finance-manager@bgcc.ngo or 032 456 2743.

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