Africa-Press – Namibia. NAMIBIA should be proud of its maiden performance at the ongoing 2022 Immaf World Championships in Serbia, says SouSa MMA Studios, of which four fighters battled gallantly, but ultimately fell short of the target on Monday.
The team was confident of reaching the podium on debut in Belgrade, following success at the African championship last year.
However, they found the global competition much tougher.
Not surprisingly, African champion Veja Hinda was the last Namibian man standing in Serbia, exiting the competition in the last 16 stage on Monday.
The featherweight African champion opened his account at the global spectacle on Sunday with a second-round submission of England’s Mo Zubair with an incredible guillotine choke in their round of 32 clash.
Hinda lost out on a quarter-final spot to Mika Rasanen of Finland on points the day after.
“We are extremely proud of our boys and coach for making it this far. Mixed martial arts is such a small sport in our country, and we have accomplished so much in the past two years. Thank you for everyone’s support,” SouSa Studios said in its daily media update.
Most of Hinda’s compatriots were knocked out of the competition on the opening day.
Team captain Geraldo Bok made it through all three rounds, but lost through a unanimous decision to Italy’s Alessio Ksouri in the senior bantamweight class.
“A man filled with fierce potential. Geraldo Bok, our senior bantamweight, stepped into that cage today and fought a great fight for his country,” SouSa Studios said in its assessment of the team captain.
“Nothing gets him down, and we keep working from here onwards. Keep your heads held high, boys. Your time to shine will come.”
Teenager Ronaldo Feris lost to Finland’s Pyry Kiviluoma through a rear-neck choke in round two of their junior welterweight contest.
“SouSa MMA Studios would like to mention how proud Namibia is of Ronaldo Feris’ performance. He is a 19-year-old, and it was his first time to compete at this level. He unfortunately lost, but let us remind you, it takes a whole lot of courage to step into that cage, having all eyes on you. Well done, Ronaldo Feris, never let go of your fierce and hungry spirit,” SouSa Studios said of its protégé.
Despite not medalling, the exposure was invaluable as it will help in building a competitive environment and brand back home, SouSa Studios said.
“A special thank you goes out to Immaf for inviting Namibia to the World Championship for the first time in our history. Your organisation and assistance is outstanding.
“We appreciate you hosting such an incredible mixed martial arts event and having faith in our team and in Namibia. SouSa MMA Studio is extremely proud to be part of this journey,” they said.
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