Facebook post garners support for wannabe boxer
BLOUBOSRAND – Wannabe pro boxer receives free training as community comes to his aid.
“I have no job but a passion to box. I will become a world champion through hard work, focus and praying to God,” said Richard Nsamba, a man who the community is helping to realise his dream of becoming a professional boxer.
A post on the Facebook page ‘Let your NEED be known’ on 18 September highlighted the passion of Bloubosrand resident Nsamba (31), who did not hide his dream but did physical training on the side of the road, explaining to anyone who would listen that he wanted to become a pro boxer and needed a promoter to help him.
https://www.facebook.com/letyourneed/photos/rpp.861108433978836/1963660690390266/?type=3&theater
Various boxing clubs were tagged in the post and it was the No Mercy Boxing Gym in Blackheath that answered.
Trainer Gert Strydom asked Jackie Pieterse, the author of the post, to bring Nsamba to his gym.
Upon arrival, Nsamba was offered free training by the boxing legend, which he has undergone every day since.
Furthermore, members of the gym and community members pitched in to give Nsamba R600 to help with his transport and keep his dreams alive.
“Richard has fought a bit in Uganda, where he is from, and we have asked the boxing board there for a clearance letter so he can start boxing here,” said Strydom.
“He is very keen but raw, like a rough diamond.”
When asked why he had helped Nsamba, Strydom said it made sense to assist because his gym was closer to where Nsamba lived than most boxing gyms, and it would be convenient for him to attend.
In-between his daily workout, Nsamba expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped him.
He said he wanted to be a world champion so he could support his parents in Uganda financially.
“Boxing keeps me healthy and fit, with no diseases. It helps me go beyond, you know, mentally.”
Pieterse, while watching Nsamba train, said it had been rewarding helping him out because his passion was inspiring.
Details: No Mercy Boxing Gym coachg@tapoutacademy.co.za; 079 129 3784.
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