KICKBOXING NEWS - What started as self-defence against school bullies has since earned Zayne Slinger (26) his national colours, an impressive collection of silverware and now, a spot at the world kickboxing championships.

Competing out of the Dynamic Mixed Fighting Club in George, Slinger has been selected to represent South Africa at the World Association of Kickboxing Organisations' (Wako) World Championship to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from 21 to 30 November.

Having previously won two gold medals at the African Championships in 2022 and making the world rankings in two divisions, including points fighting and light contact, Slinger is confident about his prospects at world championships level.

In what promises to be a series of barnburners, rather than chess matches, Slinger will be trading leather with the world's best in the light contact and kick light divisions.

That is if he makes it to Abu Dhabi ...

This is because the honour of representing South Africa and gaining valuable sporting experience that could be ploughed back into the local community comes with a hefty price tag of R50 000. Unfortunately, travelling and competing internationally on the flimsy ZAR is above this young athlete, who works as a delivery driver. 

He is therefore putting his faith in his home town to help him with fundraising. The first R7 500 that was due on 31 July has been paid. 

The next instalment of R25 000 is due on 25 August, followed by the balance on 25 September.

Slinger started kickboxing in 2010 at the age of 11. Taking up the sport was his mother's idea in response to him being bullied in school.

As it happened, he was good at it and clinched a bronze medal at his first South African championships in 2011 - a result that also saw him qualify for the Irish Open to be held early the following year. Unfortunately, he had to kiss that dream good-bye due to a lack of funding. 

"I felt disappointed, because I knew I had a chance to get podium at that big tournament," he said.

Now, to avoid suffering the same disappointment for the second time in his career, Slinger is calling on anyone willing and able to contribute towards his world championships dream and the possible spin-offs for the local community to contact him on 065 394 7024.

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