KAMAL DOES US PROUD AT THE WORLD FINALS
It’s been few days since the Red Bull World Street Style Finals in Cape Town, and we’re dying to hear how South Africa’s Street Style Ambassador, Kamal Ranchod, is feeling about his incredible achievement of coming second only to Norway’s Anders “Azun” Solum.
“I don’t think it’s quite sunk in yet!” Kamal says. “Instead of feeling happy I’m actually feeling quite sad.” But no, he’s not feeling sad about losing the title to Azun, he’s feeling sad about the whole event being over. “It was the most incredible week of my life; I wish I could re-live it again and again!” He says.
He enjoyed the whole experience so much so that choosing one highlight would be “impossible.” But if pressed, “The home crowds, everything I learnt and meeting the other 59 contestants.” Have to go down as some of Kamal’s best moments.
Speaking of the home crowd, Kamal’s voice fills with emotion as he describes how he felt performing in front of all the South African’s who came to support him. “Blown away. I was totally blown away. Hearing all those fans screaming for me was… indescribable. If I had such phenomenal support I can’t imagine how the Bafana Bafana are going to feel playing in front of home crowds in the World Cup.”
When asked if he found the road to the final battle an easy one, Kamal laughs. “Absolutely not. I drew what was nicknamed “the group of death” so I was up against some tough competition. Denmark, Austria, Holland, some of the countries I was up against and some of the best in the tournament.”
And what was his edge that kept him one step ahead of his competitors? “I think I was lucky in that I had a fair amount of tricks up my sleeve. So I could keep something new for each battle. I managed not to blow them all in the first few rounds.”
“But in the final battle? Well I just went crazy man. I thought, I’ve come this far. This is it. I’m going all out.” And he did. And the crowds loved it. “It was risky because I did make more mistakes than normal, but it was worth it because I had the time of my life and I have no regrets.”
What now? How can life return to normal for our very own international superstar? “I don’t think it will. I haven’t had a second to think since the finals, it’s been go, go, go, so I’m not sure what the future holds long term but for now, I’m loving every minute!” And so he should. Congrats Kamal! You’ve done us proud.
