Local boxer voted ‘KZN Sportswoman’ & ‘Sports Personality of the Year’
She is now focusing on qualifying for the Olympic Games.
Phiwokuhle ‘Ben 10’ Mnguni (21) has once again flown the Dundee flag high by being voted ‘KZN Sportswoman of the Year’ and ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ at the recent KwaZulu-Natal Sports Awards hosted in Durban.
The two coveted awards netted her R100,000 and a vehicle.
“I was beside myself when my name was announced as the winner of these two nominations, especially because it was a tough category; I was nominated with the best in the industry,” said the softly-spoken ‘Ben 10′.
She said that participating in this year’s Commonwealth Games and securing South Africa’s first women’s boxing medal paved the way towards winning these accolades.
She is now focusing on qualifying for the Olympic Games. “My biggest goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games, so the next step will be to get to the All Africa Games next year, which will help me qualify for the Olympics,” Phiwokuhle explained. “But I will need sponsorship in terms of having a dietician, as well as equipment for our gym so that I can advance my skills.”
With her winnings, the young pugilist said she will help complete her parents’ home, as this is her number-one priority.
Phiwokuhle encourages young boxers to never give up on their dreams and to know that it doesn’t matter where they come from – if they work hard towards their dreams, nothing is impossible.
In conclusion, she thanked her coaches: Nathi Hlatshwayo, Nathi Thusi, Ntuseni Dube and Pretty Tsotetsi.
She also thanked the community of Dundee for voting and rallying behind her.
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