JabhiM interview: Street Fighter legend on Red Bull Kumite, representing South Africa and taking on Tokido

Red Bull Kumite 2023 in South Africa was the first major Street Fighter 6 tournament to take place since its release. It was also the first time South Africa had ever hosted a global tournament final on such a scale.

Among the 16 players taking part and playing the game, including fighting game royalty such as Leffen, and Street Fighter legends like Tokido, only one player directly represented South Africa: Jabhi "JabhiM" Mabuza.

We got the chance to sit down with JabhiM, the South African player who delivered the most electrifying match of the night and talked all things Street Fighter, representing his country and taking on one of the best Street Fighter players in the world.

This interview takes place shortly after JabhiM won his match against Tokido, whom he matched up with in a draw during the opening ceremony.

• If you want to know our thoughts on Street Fighter 6, be sure to check out our full Street Fighter 6 review.

Taking on Tokido

GG: So, we've just come back from what's been the most exciting round so far. You've had the crowd standing up and screaming for you. How does it feel coming back from that?

JM: This was a match I really wanted to win. You know, I was telling one of the guys outside that I don't think people understand how big this match was. Not just for the country, but for Africa as a whole. Because everybody in Africa believes that they can take these guys on. They just needed one guy to show it. So, I couldn't afford to lose this match. You know, especially obviously flying, giving my family the tickets to come and watch. This was the one match I couldn't afford to lose and against the best in the world.

GG: How did you feel when you saw that you were matched up with Tokido? What was your first instinct?

JM: Honestly, when the draw started, I kind of had a feeling that I was going to be up with Tokido. And I accepted it. I was like, actually I want this challenge. You know, it [Street Fighter 6] is a new game. We started on the same playing field. Deep down I wanted to play him because I could see that I could win. In casuals, I was losing badly to him. But I knew that there was a small thing I needed to change.

Character Commitment

JabhiM opted to play as Chun-Li for his match against Tokido who, in turn, played as Ken. As a series staple, Chun-Li is one of the stronger characters, as well as one of the most recognisable Street Fighter characters in gaming.

GG: What drew you to Chun-Li in general?

JM: So during casuals, I was thinking, which character to go with? Chun-Li might not be that strong, but then something at the back of my mind was like, no, you know what? You put so much work into the character, go through with this character the whole tournament, and then decide afterwards. So, then I was like, okay, let me focus my time on Chun-Li and then really put out the best.

I knew that my problem with Chun-Li was in my defence, I make silly mistakes. I get conditioned too easily, and in that match with Tokido, I didn't allow him to condition me. Instead, I reversed it. There were so many times he tried to throw and I didn't let him. And I didn't let him throw, because I said, you know what? Either you're gonna have to bait the throw out of me before I stop, or I'm not stopping.

Competitive controllers

During the tournament, several players used arcade sticks during their matches. As a game that is synonymous with arcade stick play, this wasn’t a surprise. However, only a couple of players opted to use the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller. JabhiM was one of them.

GG: From a tech point of view as well, a lot of players have been using the arcade sticks and you are one of the few that have gone for the DualSense. What made you go for that? Is that just what you’re used to?

JM: It was more of what I could afford at the time. I didn't have a console when I started competitive. So when I was thinking, okay, how do I get to a competitive level? How do I get my fingers used to something? I didn't go for a stick. What I could afford was a DualSense because that's what I had at that time. So then I just naturally grew into it.

The fights ahead…

With the first round of Red Bull Kumite 2023 drawing to a close, and JabhiM through to the next, we wanted to know what was next for him after South Africa’s first global final, and his recommendations for players picking up the game for the first time.

GG: And so now that you're through to the next part, regardless of what happens coming up, what's next after Kumite?

JM: I mean, Capcom blessed us with the CPT [Capcom Pro Tournament]. So, what's next is qualifying for CPT or maybe travelling to other events to get more exposure. Get more of that experience. But yeah, I guess more competitive.

GG: So, there's no stopping you now?

JM: No, there's no stopping me.

GG: So, for my last question, what tips would you recommend for somebody who's picking up Street Fighter 6 for the first time?

JM: I think just have fun. You know, in the first two days when I was streaming, I had a lot of guys telling me they want to get good and I kept on telling him, dude, it's only the first week. Stop thinking about matchups and stuff like that. Have fun. And then you'll figure out the character you want. Then we can start talking about matchups.

Once you figure out the mechanics of the game, which character you want to play, and what kind of play style you want to play, then we can start talking about matchups and how you get better.

But if you’re picking it up for the first time, first have fun. I can guarantee you're not gonna beat the guy who's enjoying the game. Cause you'll naturally get better.

With DLC fighters coming soon, Street Fighter 6 looks like it has a bright future ahead on the competitive scene. As Red Bull Kumite comes to its resounding conclusion, it is safe to say JabhiM did his country proud and helped make South Africa’s first global tournament final a memorable one.