Athletes on the South Coast continue to set the bar higher every year showcasing their work ethic and training.

Zian Sukkels (13), who has been training under Nkosi Doyisa for the past five years at the South Coast Mixed Martial Arts Academy, flew out to Jesolo, Italy on September 15.

He is representing South Africa at the World Association Kickboxing Organisations Youth Championships, which features competitors from 76 countries competing in both ring and tatami modes, from September 18 to 25.

Zian was recently selected to represent South Africa in the under 42kg for kickboxing, in both the kick light and low kick divisions, after a great performance at the South African Kickboxing Championships held in Oudtshoorn earlier this year.

In addition to kickboxing, Zian also competes in mixed martial arts and recently brought home the silver medal for the under 44 kg Youth C division to KZN.

As a selected South African athlete he had the opportunity to represent South Africa for mixed martial arts at the world youth championships for mixed martial arts in Georgia in July.

However, with expenses for both trips being a challenge, it was decided to focus on kickboxing.

As a former belt holder of the Maximum Fighting Championship in the middle weight division, and current professional fighter, Nkosi Doyisa is uniquely suited to train fighters.

South Coast MMA Academy has produced several South African medal holders for the province in both kickboxing and mixed martial arts and will continue to invest in local talent.

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