Local featherweight boxer from the Sibongile boxing family, Phiwokuhle ‘Ben10’ Mnguni (21), proudly clinched a bronze medal at this year’s Commonwealth Games.
In the process, Phiwokuhle made history as the first woman to secure a boxing medal for South Africa at the Commonwealth Games.
She made it to the semi-finals last week, which guaranteed her a medal in the women’s featherweight division.
Congratulations poured in on social media when she defeated Sajeewani Coorey Muthuthanthri from Sri Lanka. Sadly, Phiwokuhle was defeated by Commonwealth silver medalist Michaela Walsh from Northern Ireland in the semi-finals.
Coach Nathi Hlatshwayo and the South African team have heartily congratulated Phiwokuhle. “We are very proud of her for flying the South African flag high at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games,” said Hlatswayo. He added that neverh before has SA had a woman boxer making the podium at this level.
“Phiwokuhle has also put the Sibongile boxing family on the map with her fighting and we hope she will be a great example to other young fighters in SA.”
Local boxer Sizwe Mngomezulu commented that he is super-proud of ‘Ben10’, who has effectively broken a record by bringing home a bronze medal. “We hope and pray that SA will produce other fighters who have the same love and passion for boxing,” he said.
He concluded by saying that boxing is not as famous a sport as soccer, but it’s fighters like her that are putting it on the map.
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