SOUTH AFRICA HAS ITS NEW RED BULL STREET STYLE CHAMPION!
In Soweto on Sunday 25 October, Kamal Ranchod a.k.a Kamalio defeated the defending champion from Cape Town, Khris Njokwana to become the 2009 Red Bull Street Style Champion and will now represent South Africa at the World Final to be held in April 2010 in Cape Town.
In Soweto on Sunday 25 October, Kamal Ranchod a.k.a Kamalio defeated the defending champion from Cape Town, Khris Njokwana to become the 2009 Red Bull Street Style Champion and will now represent South Africa at the World Final to be held in April 2010 in Cape Town.
A massive crowd gathered at Maponya Mall to watch South Africa’s top 16 freestyle soccer players battle each other for a shot at the title.
Sitting on the judges couch was head judge Ryan Wilkisky who was joined by Olympic BMX’er Sifiso Nhlapo as well as Bafana Bafana player Matthew Booth who had the crowd chanting “Booooooooooooooth” when introduced on stage.
This was Matthew’s first time at an event of this nature and he was impressed by the level of talent that the young contestants were showing and was happy to see that freestyle soccer was getting such great support.
As the battles forged on, it was clear from early on that Kamal Ranchod from Crosby was going to be Chris’s toughest competitor. The final battle came down to these two players who are equally incredible in both technicality and skill.
Chris put on a great show and brought some of his best signature moves to the mat but in the end Kamal blew the judges away with some amazing tricks and perfect execution that in the end won him the title.
Final Battle - from left Chris Njokwana & Kamal Ranchod -
Final Battle - from left Chris Njokwana & Kamal Ranchod -
Kamal spoke highly of his opponent in the final, “Chris is a great freestyle soccer player, with so much talent. We have become friends since last years contest and to be up against him in the final again was difficult. I am happy to have won and will, like Chris, make South Africa proud at the World Final.”
Cape Town will soon begin preparation for the Red Bull Street Style World Final. The best freestyle soccer players from 60 countries will be joining Kamal next year to compete for the World title.
