Capetonians excel at the SA MMA National Championships
Team Western Cape that took part in this year's South African MMA championships in Durban.
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Six Capetonians recently returned home carrying prestigious gold medals after competing at this year’s South African MMA National Championships in Durban a fortnight ago.
A talented squad from Melkbosstrand, Bothasig, Plattekloof, Wynberg, and Zeekovlei, among other Cape Town areas, took on South Africa’s top amateur fighters, showcasing the depth of MMA talent at the national level.
Led by Lyndall Sandenburgh, this Cape Town contingent not only claimed six gold medals but also secured four silver medals and four bronze medals, an impressive haul that reflected both strength and promise for the future of the sport.
Nuha Shah in relaxed mood before her run to a gold medal at the national champs.
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The six gold medal winners now have even greater aspirations as they have qualified to represent South Africa at the IMMAF Youth World Championships, scheduled to take place later in July in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
This opportunity offers them the chance to test themselves against the world’s best and fly the South African flag on MMA’s grandest amateur stage.
One of the standout medalists is Zeekovlei’s Nuha Shah, who successfully defended her South African title, reinforcing her position as one of Mzansi’s brightest MMA prospects. With females still finding their footing in South Africa’s professional MMA scene, Shah’s success is groundbreaking.
Hannah Muhammed is a national champion after her arm bar finish at the nationals.
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Notably, she became the first South African to win gold at the IMMAF Youth World Championships back in 2022, a milestone achievement that set a benchmark for fighters in the country.
From Fighterz Inc., Ismaeel Booley claimed a gold medal via a walkover and now proudly holds the national Youth Flyweight champion title. Under the tutelage of coach Fidaah Edries and surrounded by burgeoning talent at his gym, Booley has a bright future ahead.
Noah De Wet, from Capri Village and representing MECS Martial Arts, secured his gold through an impressive submission victory.
Frank Ngoka fought his way to a silver medal during the national games.
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Meanwhile, Slater Van den Heever from Melkbosstrand added to the Cape Town gold tally with a strong performance and his teammate Jayden Bosch of Elite MMA joined him in the winner’s circle.
Hannah Muhammed also delivered gold, ensuring Go For Broke MMA celebrated national champion success within its ranks.
Beyond gold, several fighters earned podium finishes: Alex Suzuki, Damien Erasmus, Yusuf Salie and Frank Ngoka earned silver medals, while Danny Weber, Ruben De Kock, Juan Pierre Conradie and Jonathan Erasmus rounded out the medals list with bronze.
Jayden Bosch was also among the medalists who had gold wrapped around their neck.
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