WATCH: Boxing Champ Ricardo Malajika and team inspire Diversity High learners
Your talent can open doors to further your education.
Pugilists including world champion Ricardo Malajika, visited Diversity High School on October 7 to plant the seed of possibilities.
Among others who attended were the trainer Manny Fernandes, boxer Charlton Malajika and boxer Carl van Blerk.
They gave a moving motivation at the assembly, where they assured the learners that dreams come true.
Fernandes, who also trains the three at Brian Mitchell Academy, is the founder of BRD Boxing Academy in West Turffontein. He is also the trainer of nine world boxing champions, including Malajika.
He said in life you must dream to achieve what you want and also have a good heart.
The two-time world champion, Ricardo Malajika, with three titles – ABU, WBA and IBO – in his speech, spoke about timing.
@southern.courier The two-time world champion, Ricardo Malajika, with three titles – ABU, WBA and IBO – in his speech, spoke about timing.
“As youngsters, timing is important. I only learnt about it when life hit me hard. I want to control my timing because there is a reason for everything to start. Set your timing to be in line with whatever you want to do.
“Nurture your future. I started this when I was seven years old. My timing was great. I didn’t finish school because I had a baby daughter while at school and I had to step up for her. That was not what I wanted to do, however it was about the moment at that time.
“The future is in your hands and you can make it happen for yourself. Take, for instance, my life. We are seven boys at home and life wasn’t easy; however, boxing helped me.
“Don’t wait to finish matric. Start now to plant the seed, so that you will know what to do after school. I am proof that dreams do come true,” explained Ricardo.
His brother Charlton, said as a former Diversity High School learner, he is proud of the school and wants the school to do better.
“Poverty is a choice. We all have talent and are gifted with something. Remember, no one can change you. It comes within you.
“No human being is perfect. It is through mistakes that you learn. Sport can help you. I am studying and boxing at the same time. Guys, please keep your head up and girls keep your legs closed,” he said.
Charlton is an eight-time amateur SA Boxing Champion and has one International Boxing Award, which he received in Mauritius.
Van Blerk reaffirmed everyone has a purpose in life and God will help you. Under his belt, he fought three amateur and five professional fights.
“The purpose of living is to live for Jesus Christ,” he said.
Sport organiser for the school, Shiko Thantsha said he wanted to keep inviting role models to the school to help and encourage learners to do better and be the better community.
