Delano brings WAKO Africa Continental Champion title
Kickboxing
The WAKO Africa Continental Championships have once again proven to be a pivotal moment in African kickboxing, celebrating talent and dedication across the continent.
Namibian kickboxer Delano Müller (20) showed determination and with exceptional skill, emerged victorious as the newly crowned custodian of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) Africa Continental Champion title.
He defeated Zimbabwean rival Shimbashire Mlambo (32) at the WAKO Africa Continental Championships held in Johannesburg from December 9-12. This marked another significant achievement for Delano who made his debut in the international senior (75 kg) division and competing internationally as a senior. “I am incredibly proud to have won the WAKO Africa Continental Championship title and to represent Namibia on such a big stage. This victory is a result of hard work, dedication, and I could not have done it without the support of my coaches and teammates,” he said.
Delano further expressed the hope that his success will inspire other young athletes in Namibia to pursue their dreams in kickboxing. “I am very proud of team Namibia and look forward to competing internationally again, building on my success and representing Namibia with pride.” With the WAKO Africa Continental Championships done and dusted, Delano is looking ahead to future competitions and aims to compete at a European Cup next year.
In addition to his gold medal, the Namibian National team had a commendable showing overall, winning three silver and five bronze medals throughout the tournament. Giano Alcock, who won silver medals (two) in the 57 kg weight division for Points Fighting and Kick Light, said that the level of competition was higher than what he is accustomed to. Liam Blaauw won silver in the 74 kg weight division for Kicklight and bronze in Light Contact. It was his first time to travel as part of the Namibian team for an international competition. “I saw that the fights were much more intense than those we have at our local competitions and will train harder to be prepared for the next big competition.” Giandre Potgietier won two bronze medals in the 79 kg weight division and Ryna Roux also brought home two bronze medals earned in the 63 kg weight division.
“Securing nine medals is a remarkable achievement that reflects the hard work, dedication, and spirit of our athletes. This success not only showcases their talent but also strengthens the future of kickboxing in Namibia. This impressive haul underscores the rising prominence of kickboxing in Namibia, with young athletes continuing to make their mark on the international stage,” emphasised Antita Muller, the president of the Namibian Kickboxing Federation (NKF). According to Müller, Delano’s victory not only highlights his personal dedication but also represents a proud moment for Namibian kickboxing. “His victory and the performances of his team mates will inspire a new generation of kickboxers in The Land of the Brave, igniting enthusiasm for the sport and encouraging more young people to take up kickboxing.”
Namibian Kickboxing Academy coach Phillip Muller, said that the team's victory is a testament to their commitment and hard work. “The team's success will inspire many young athletes back home and I'm incredibly proud and excited for the future of Namibian kickboxing.”
Organized by WAKO, the Africa Continental Championships, served as a selection event for The World Games 2025 to be held in Chengdu, China and provided a platform for athletes from various countries to compete at a high level.
He defeated Zimbabwean rival Shimbashire Mlambo (32) at the WAKO Africa Continental Championships held in Johannesburg from December 9-12. This marked another significant achievement for Delano who made his debut in the international senior (75 kg) division and competing internationally as a senior. “I am incredibly proud to have won the WAKO Africa Continental Championship title and to represent Namibia on such a big stage. This victory is a result of hard work, dedication, and I could not have done it without the support of my coaches and teammates,” he said.
Delano further expressed the hope that his success will inspire other young athletes in Namibia to pursue their dreams in kickboxing. “I am very proud of team Namibia and look forward to competing internationally again, building on my success and representing Namibia with pride.” With the WAKO Africa Continental Championships done and dusted, Delano is looking ahead to future competitions and aims to compete at a European Cup next year.
In addition to his gold medal, the Namibian National team had a commendable showing overall, winning three silver and five bronze medals throughout the tournament. Giano Alcock, who won silver medals (two) in the 57 kg weight division for Points Fighting and Kick Light, said that the level of competition was higher than what he is accustomed to. Liam Blaauw won silver in the 74 kg weight division for Kicklight and bronze in Light Contact. It was his first time to travel as part of the Namibian team for an international competition. “I saw that the fights were much more intense than those we have at our local competitions and will train harder to be prepared for the next big competition.” Giandre Potgietier won two bronze medals in the 79 kg weight division and Ryna Roux also brought home two bronze medals earned in the 63 kg weight division.
“Securing nine medals is a remarkable achievement that reflects the hard work, dedication, and spirit of our athletes. This success not only showcases their talent but also strengthens the future of kickboxing in Namibia. This impressive haul underscores the rising prominence of kickboxing in Namibia, with young athletes continuing to make their mark on the international stage,” emphasised Antita Muller, the president of the Namibian Kickboxing Federation (NKF). According to Müller, Delano’s victory not only highlights his personal dedication but also represents a proud moment for Namibian kickboxing. “His victory and the performances of his team mates will inspire a new generation of kickboxers in The Land of the Brave, igniting enthusiasm for the sport and encouraging more young people to take up kickboxing.”
Namibian Kickboxing Academy coach Phillip Muller, said that the team's victory is a testament to their commitment and hard work. “The team's success will inspire many young athletes back home and I'm incredibly proud and excited for the future of Namibian kickboxing.”
Organized by WAKO, the Africa Continental Championships, served as a selection event for The World Games 2025 to be held in Chengdu, China and provided a platform for athletes from various countries to compete at a high level.
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