Colleen McAusland, licensed boxing manager of Simangele ‘Smash’ Hadebe, shares her pride and admiration for Hadebe’s extraordinary achievements in both her boxing career and personal life.
Overcoming significant challenges, Hadebe has recently risen to be ranked number eight in the world, showcasing her remarkable resilience and strength.
McAusland said she was incredibly proud of her talented boxer’s achievements, not only in her career but also in how she has overcome abuse and poverty through boxing.
“Despite facing numerous challenges, including the tragic loss of our head coach, Lionel Hunter, in 2020, and then on top of that my youngest son, Keaton, just the following year, both of who were very close to Smash, we persevered. Lionel was like a father and Keaton was her brother,” she explained.
McAusland said they also lost Lionel’s gym when the roof collapsed.
They trained in other gyms but were never welcomed. “But, despite all odds against us, we stood as a team (family) and started our own gym.”
They are in the process of starting their second gym with the help of mayor Peter Teixeira.
“We encountered many other hurdles. By God’s grace we rose above them and today we look back and are proud of the results through adversity. It made everyone stronger,” McAusland said.
Rise above adversity
McAusland attributes Hadebe’s success to her determination, discipline, loyalty, humbleness, and having the heart of a champion.
Hadebe’s refusal to throw in the towel no matter what life throws at her sets her apart.
“She is a daughter to me, and I will do whatever it takes for her to reach her goals. The support of sponsors such as RGM Cranes, Drivetrain, African Brand Architects and Brawl Gear who sponsor Smash’s boxing attire has been pivotal in her journey,” McAusland said.
She said having such sponsors makes a significant difference in Hadebe reaching her goals.
McAusland emphasised the importance of surrounding Hadebe with the best team, including conditioning coach Arafaat Kock and award-winning boxing pro coach Khangelani Jack, who won trainer of the year 2023.
Hadebe was honoured as boxer of the year 2023.
Great strides in boxing
McAusland’s focus is on the well-being and success of her boxers rather than her legacy.
“Every boxer has a story, and seeing them succeed is my reward. If we had more sponsors supporting women in boxing, we could do much more by changing these boxers’ lives through professional boxing,” she explained.
Hadebe’s ranking as number one in Africa and eighth in the world lines her up for a world title fight soon.
“Ian McAusland (her father figure) is assisting Smash to start her own small business, making garden pots and stepping stones, which in turn will create employment for other boxers. I’d also like to see Boxing SA recognising our female champs by fighting more than once a year. Women in boxing need sponsors coming on board as they do with male boxers,” said McAusland.
As women in boxing, she said they constantly have to prove themselves worthy in the sport to share the same ring with males.
“Smash has made history as the first female to win the full ABU Africa title and continues to break barriers. We plan to continue making history in our country, being the first manager with three of the bouts winning titles and South Africa’s new prospect three-times amateur medal winner Amzolele,” she said.
She also commended Amzolele ‘Globe’ Dyeyi and Gauteng champ Donjuan van Heerden for their matchless skills.
