Rabie Ridge’s Kate becomes a South Africa boxing champion in her category
Coach Anthony McPherson says he left without a champion and returned with one as Kate Ugat was crowned a boxing champ in Limpopo.
Kate Ugat from Rabie Ridge was welcomed home a hero as a newly crowned SA Championship boxer.
Arriving from Limpopo, Tzaneen on September 29, Kate (13) was crowned champion in the 44-46kg category at the championship which took place from September 23 to 28.
The reigning Ekurhuleni and Gauteng championship titleholder who attends Dulcie September Primary School¸ maintained her undefeated record in nine bouts.
Read more: Rabie Ridge Boxing Club girl boxer is undefeated in three fights
Speaking outside her home where community members came in numbers to welcome the boxing star, she said she was proud of her achievements.
“I knew that I was going to win, I went into the ring and listened to my coach and the results showed, hence the medal. I am very happy for myself and the coach, my family is here, and I am blessed. I’m over the moon,” said Kate.
Also read: Rabie Ridge Boxing Club boxer excels in Alberton’s Gauteng Development tournament
She thanked all the community members who came to welcome her and pleaded with them not to give up on her as she was on a quest to make a name for herself.
Kate’s mother, Janet Moira, said her daughter was a respectful child. “I feel so blessed and I am very proud of her. She always does what I ask her to do,” said the proud mom.
Kate’s coach Anthony McPherson said, “I left here without a champ and I came back with a champ. I can only say, thank you Lord. Preparing for this championship was not easy but I am glad we came back victorious. Before we left, I told everyone that I did not want to put pressure on her. I just wanted her to enjoy herself in the ring. Even if she had won silver, I would still be proud of her.”
McPherson hoped the South African National Boxing Board would select Kate for the SA team to compete at the African Games, Commonwealth Games and Armature World Championships.
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Rabie Ridge Boxing Club seeks to transform local young lives
