The Makana Boxing Organisation (Makabo) hosted the first of a series of planned amateur tournaments on Saturday, 7 March.
The tournaments are intended to help develop boxing as a sport within the municipality.
The Makana Boxing Organisation (Makabo) hosted the first of a series of planned amateur tournaments on Saturday, 7 March.
The tournaments are intended to help develop boxing as a sport within the municipality.
It enjoyed representation from boxing clubs from Port Elizabeth, Middledrift and several Grahamstown amateur boxing clubs.
Makabo secretary General Luyanda Dibela said that while there's no financial support yet, the sport is growing steadily.
“Our main focus for this tournament is to have as many locals participating in the sport as possible. This development tournament is especially aimed at kids,” he said.
Dibela believes sport plays an important role in community cohesion, because it provides constructive recreational activities.
"We are starting to see more and more young people joining our clubs. Most of them come from disadvantaged areas and boxing helps steer them away from alcohol, drugs and ill-discipline,” said Dibela.
Thembinkosi Mabi, the coordinator for Middledrift Correctional Centre boxing club, said that initiatives such as this have played a valuable role in the rehabilitation of inmates. Some have received professional boxing contracts after serving their prison time.
He made examples of Mdantsane-based boxers, former SA featherweight champion Sabelo Jubatha and current IBO world super flyweight champion Lwandile Sityatha.
Both started their careers in jail.
“Those guys are the clear examples of what we are hoping to achieve by having inmates participating in these kinds of tournaments,” said Mabi.
Goodhope Boxing Club president Mthethe Didi, said the Makabo tournaments helped keep their boys in shape. He said the tournaments offered plenty of valuable experience which would take them further in their careers.
