By Chris Totobela
A total of seven Makhanda boxers are taking part in the four-day South African Boxing National Championships in Durban.
The young fighters were recently crowned provincial champs at the Eastern Cape championships in Mthatha.
The national championships is scheduled to take place in Durban from 3-6 July.
Masibambane Boxing Club’s Qhama Kilana and Khayalethu Prince joined Mfuzo Boxing Camp’s five boxers, Sesihle “Stinging Bee” Matebese, Esona “The General” Peter, Azola “Destroyer” Moses, Luyolo Nketsheni and Masibulele “Tank” Sigwela for the trip to KZN.
Matebese earlier spoke to Grocott’s Mail about their readiness. “We have trained very hard for this trip and did not lose focus. Everyone in town has been caught up by the National Arts Festival vibe but we were at training sweating.”
The local boxers gave a good account of themselves at the provincial tournament, with a few of them having their bouts voted the best of the tournament in different categories.
In her 54kg elite division bout, Moses defeated an Amathole district opponent, while Peter also won against an Amathole opponent in their elite 57kg bout. Sigwela beat an OR Tambo opponent in their elite 57kg bout while in the youth 81kg+ bout, Matebese defeated OR Tambo’s Liyema Yaso in an electrifying fight.
Recently, Sindiswa Nyamande, one of the two local coaches included in the Eastern Cape team, shared her views on the readiness of the team for the trip. “We have in Camp in Mthatha since 28 June and we have been working very hard. Our boxers look very sharp and ready for this event and I see no reason why we cannot come back with a few gold medals and national tittles. I’m also very excited after being chosen as one of the EC coaches as I’m reaping the fruits of my hard work,” Nyamande said from Mthatha.
Speaking on behalf of Mfuzo Boxing Camp, Mfuzo Dyirha was pleased to have a few of their boxers making the trip and said this is the highest number they have ever had.
Sarah Baartman Boxing Organisation’s (SABABO) chairperson, Thembisa Qinela, told Grocott’s Mail that the district did very well at the provincial championships. “Our district made us very proud as we had a few of our boxers’ bouts voted the best and we also finished third overall behind Buffalo City Metro and Nelson Mandela Metro. I would like to thank all the boxers and coaches who contributed to our success. Congratulations to those who have made the EC team and hard luck to those who have fallen short.”
With Makhanda boxing currently making huge strides in the positive direction, it is hoped that local boxing followers will be fully behind their local boxers and will wait patiently for them to bring home the gold.
