For months they’ve been training and raising funds and on Tuesday, these Cape Flats youngsters will be jetting off to Hong Kong to kick some serious butt.
The students are part of a free Kung Fu training project held by three-time gold medallist Muhammad Junaid Chafeker, aka MJ Li, from Goodwood, and will be representing South Africa for the first time at the Hong Kong International Kung Fu/Wushu Tournament in Ma On Shan.
The tournament takes place from 16-19 March, with about 9000 athletes from 52 countries competing.
Last month, three youngsters - Taufeeq Wyngaard, 13, from Bonteheuwel; Sinawo Yola, 15, from Gugulethu and Lisakhanya Njobe, 15, from Khayelitsha - each still needed
R27 000 for the trip. But MJ Li says the money has been raised and all 18 boys and girls will be going on the “journey of a lifetime”.
MJ Li has been a professional Kung Fu athlete for 22 years, having trained locally, as well as in China, Hong Kong and the USA.
He has already represented South Africa at five World Championships, winning gold on three occasions, as well as silver and bronze in China, Hong Kong, the USA and Mexico.
The group of youngsters has been receiving free training from MJ Li since 2016, and are from Mitchells Plain, Langa, Paarl, Wellington, Bonteheuwel and Khayelitsha.
He said those showing the most potential have been selected to represent the country at the prestigious international tournament this year.
In the squad is a 10-year-old disabled boy who will be competing against able-bodied athletes in Hong Kong.
MJ Li says: “I am proud of the squad who will participate in the Hong Kong tournament,” he says.
“These kids worked hard to be able to all afford an opportunity such as this.
“We invite the public to come and see the squad off at the Cape Town International Airport as they head to make history in Hong Kong.”
The flight departs at 12pm on
Tuesday.