The third edition of the East Africa Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Challenge will kick off at Juba’s Nyakuron Cultural Centre on Saturday.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday evening, the South Sudan Kickboxing Federation (SSKF) President and head coach, Puro Obob Okello, said all was set for the showdown that will also feature participants from Ethiopia.
“The event brings together Eastern African countries and we are here to compete and showcase our talents and respect for our neighbors,” Okello stated.
One of South Sudan’s MMA fighters, Abednego Thon, met his Kenyan rival Steve Biko in a curtain raiser event on Wednesday.
The Wednesday faceoff was also organized by SSKF.
Biko said he was ready for the fight and vowed to take the trophy. Thon, popularly known as Wizzy, said he was happy to host Biko in the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence.
The East Africa Challenge is one of Africa’s premier kickboxing events. The third edition is supported by Smart Capital Limited, a Juba-based financial institution.
The institution’s General Manager, Silphano Oluoch, said they have their weight behind kickboxing in South Sudan because they believe the country has a lot to harness from the sport.
A Kenyan national, Oluoch said he has a lot of respect for South Sudan and that he was hopeful that the trophy would remain in Juba.
“We are happy to have the East Africa Challenge third challenge happening in Juba, and we look forward to a thrilling event. As Smart Capital, we believe this event has what it takes to bring South Sudan together. We see plenty of potential in sports and it will put this country on the world map.”