He recently founded Namakgale Boxing Club, which trains both girls and boys from a tender age.
“This is the sport that shaped as the person I am today, it took me off the streets, away from drugs and violence and gave me the discipline to set a vision, meet objectives and goals for myself.
“I felt I had to pass my knowledge and experience on to the younger generations,” he said. Born and bred in Namakgale, he was introduced to boxing by his older brother when he was only 10-years-old. He became part of Phosphate Boxing Club which was based in Foskor Community Centre.
His sporting career thrived to the point where he was recruited to join the South African National Defense Force’s boxing team, which lasted for two years before he decided to further his studies at the University of Limpopo. After he returned home from completing his accounting degree, he was sad to observe that there was no longer boxing in the neighbourhood and he decided to do something about it.
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“I decided to register a non-profit organisation and recruit boxers.
“I initially approached my friend and former team mate, Lucas Baloyi, to help look after the team at times when I’d be away for work.
“He ended up giving his full commitment to the club, helping with recruitment and coaching the team,” he said.
In February this year the first team of trainees were only six, now the club has 35 members and they have already competed in both provincial and national tournaments.
Three of the boxers have managed to qualify to compete in the national championships which will take place in Durban in December.
Marumo told the Herald that the club’s biggest challenge is the lack of proper equipment, sportswear and money for transport to the tournaments countrywide.
Marumo concluded by thanking sponsors who have been assisting them in the past few months and also appeals to businesses to help sponsor his club.
For more information contact Marumo on 067 108 3911.
