Brothers Xander and Joshua Links from Tinley Manor recently delivered a standout performance at the International Kanazawa Cup 2025, held at the Tongaat Sport Centre.

Both are 2nd Dan black belts and proud members of the national South African Protea Team. Competing against top international athletes, they displayed impressive skill, focus and determination.

Xander (20), a BSc Computer Science student at UKZN, claimed double gold in kata and kumite. He also earned the Grand Champion title, presented by Japanese karate legend Shuseki Shihan Manabu Murakami (8th Dan). His success in both academics and sport has secured him a full sporting scholarship.

Joshua (17), the younger brother, made his senior kata debut earlier this year and won gold, becoming the youngest champion in the category. Aside from karate, he also excels in soccer, basketball and volleyball.

Their success at the Kanazawa Cup follows a strong competitive season. Both brothers achieved top rankings at the Karate KZN Championship, the Karate South Africa Nationals and several league events.

They are now set to represent South Africa at the upcoming UFAK Region South Championships, scheduled for 23-25 May in Tongaat. Looking ahead, their sights are firmly set on the WKF World Championship in Cairo, Egypt, later this year.

The Links brothers already hold a Commonwealth title from 2024 and are training hard to earn medals on the global stage. Hanshi Sonny Pillay, President of Karate South Africa, praised their journey.

“The Links boys could become world champions. They’ve trained since they were three. Their work ethic is second to none,” said Pillay.

Their success is backed by a strong support system, including their father and instructor, Sensei Nicolas Links, and mother, Vivashne Reddy. Coaches Renshi Brando Pillay and Sensei Njabulo Khumalo, along with training at elite SKISA dojos across KwaZulu-Natal.

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