We caught up with Sindile Manengela, ahead of him defending his title on 4 June.
- How did you get into the sport?
I've been always into martial arts since I was young, I started Judo at the age of 8. When I saw some clips of mma I think it was 2010/2011 I'm not really sure, I immediately fell in love with the sport. The rest was history.
- Who is your biggest inspiration?
My inspiration is Chris Bright no doubt about it, he's a great person on and off the sport. I'm looking up to him.
- What does your training week consist of?
We have 5 mma morning sessions a week from Monday to Friday, they start at 9 o'clock to 11:30/12 o'clock (in those sessions we cover almost everything, from striking, wrestling to grappling).
Then we'll have strength and conditioning in the midday, finish with bjj every night. I also have 2 Judo sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays after bjj sessions. Plus 1 open mat session on Saturdays.
We also have stretching and flexibility sessions 2 to 3 times a week with Stirling his our Biokinetic. Last but not least, I do mental strength sessions as with William 2 to 3 a week as well, especially when I have a fight coming. He's in overseas at the moment, so we our sessions over the phone.
- What does it take to defend a title?
Defending this title means a lot, I'll do everything in my power to bring it back here in Gqeberha (PE).
- How long before the fight is your weigh-in? What happens when you are over the weight limit, how long do you have to lose the weight?
We do weigh-ins a day before the fight. When one misses weight (which has never happened to me) they still get 2 hours extra before the officials close the scale.
- How does your nutrition change from 3 months out to 2 weeks prior to a fight ?
- How long does it take to recover from a title/ major fight?
The recovery after a fight depends on how long your fight was and how your body is feeling, other than that we get back to training as quick as we can
What would a post-fight debrief look like with you and your coach, does that form the basis of your action plan for the next fight?
- What is your favorite submission or knockout?
My favorite submission at the moment it has to be a darce-choke.
- What are your favorite STANCE socks?
My favorite STANCE socks at the are the Simpsons ones 
Stand a chance of winning Sindile's walkout kit.
3 easy steps to stand a chance of winning:
1. Link in our bio to the interview with Sindile - read it and leave a comment wishing our Champ well.
2. Follow @sindilemanengela
3. Follow @stancesocks_sa
Winner to be announced on Monday 6 June 2022 🤞
Comments
Luyolo Tili said:
All the best
August 25, 2022
Kobus Pieterse said:
EFC Bantamweight Champion – Sindile Manengela
August 25, 2022
Annie Perkins said:
Let’s go! Going to be amazing!!
June 03, 2022
Janice said:
Goooooooooo Sindile…………..:) you got this !!!!!!!!!!!!!!💪
June 03, 2022
Raabiah said:
Good luck Sindile
June 03, 2022
Noah said:
Keep raisin the mma bar high champpp
June 03, 2022
Zeah said:
All the best Sindile 🙌
June 03, 2022
Chloe Jade said:
you got this champ👌
June 03, 2022
Weslynn said:
Good Luck Sindile!!!!!
June 03, 2022
Tarryn said:
Good Luck Sindile 😁
June 03, 2022
Dante said:
Good Luck Sindile !!!
June 03, 2022
Bridget said:
Best of luck Sindile 😁 you’ve got this Champ 🏆🔥
June 03, 2022
Simon George said:
The absolute best of luck to Sindile for his match. Mans will maintain the title 🏆
June 03, 2022
Sharon said:
Good luck.
June 03, 2022
Bianca Stander said:
AND STILL… you DESERVE to be Champ! Good luck and I’ll see you this weekend.
June 01, 2022
Anesh said:
Go kick some a$$ champ… You got this
June 01, 2022
Jonathan Quirk said:
Let’s go champ 🏆💪☝
May 31, 2022
Miguel Harker said:
From Zwide streets to World Champ…. Our Captain we always stand proud with you!
May 31, 2022
Kim said:
Good Luck!
May 31, 2022
Bafana said:
Goodluck Sindile the Champion that gives the young generation hope#Andstill
May 31, 2022
Shayan Parbhoo said:
Smash it Sindile!
May 31, 2022
Dewald said:
What a great inspiration and such a good mentor for the children as well. Go champ.
May 31, 2022
Jason Du Randt said:
Let’s go Captain Sindile & PESFA 🔥
May 31, 2022
Sam said:
Let’s go champ!!!
May 31, 2022
Ev said:
Good luck Sindile – #andstill
May 30, 2022
Nikki said:
Good luck Sindile – you’ve got this.
May 30, 2022
Adam Cooper said:
Good Luck Sindile, you’ve got this that title will remain in your hands 🥊💪
P.S That Walk out Jersey is Fire 🔥
May 30, 2022