Kwatsaduza boxer wins at South African Boxing Awards
She won 'Female Prospect of the Year 2017’ in Port Elizabeth.
KwaThema – Boxing champion Simangele Hadebe won the South African Boxing Awards ‘Female Prospect of the Year 2017’ in Port Elizabeth last Friday.
“I am so happy that I don’t even have the words to describe it.
“All my hard work and patience have paid off,” says Simangele.
The International Bantum Weight Champion for 2017 was nominated for ‘female fighter of the year’ and ‘female prospect of the year’.
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She says her ultimate goal is to help revive the boxing culture in Kwatsaduza.
“I want people to view this as a viable sport.
“Some girls don’t fight all year.
“So when you have the opportunity to get in the ring, you make the best of it,” she explains.
She hopes that more promoters will organise fights so that they can sharpen their skills.
Also read: Local boxers doing well
The 24-year-old still has her sights set on the SA title this year.
“Last year I missed the opportunity to fight for the title because of short notice.
“I realised that I must always be ready – throughout the year.”
Coach Themba Zulu of Geo Maroon Boxing Club, says he is very proud of Simangele.
“She is our champ, not only in Ekurhuleni but Gauteng.
“This goes to show that we are going somewhere, and achieving greater things.”
Zulu appeals to private businesses to sponsor the boxer as she gets ready to achieve more in 2018.
“We need a lot of financial assistance to reach international stages.
“We are also gunning for the world title now,” he explains.
He also invites girls who have an interest in the sport to join the club.
