Despite the lack of facilities and resources, amateur boxers from Bekkersdal and Mohlakeng are determined to box on.
Although a bunch of them did not do as well as expected at a recent tournament hosted by Randgate Boxing Club, their coaches indicated that all of them showed some promise and plenty of guts.
Joseph Dlangangamandla, Kagiso Malema’s coach, said, “The boy was good in training, but out of sorts in his bout against Troy Burger from Springs.”
It was also not a particularly good outing for Mohlakeng’s boxers as Obakeng Rakopo lost to Keenan Kloupas and Vuyo Nzeka was beaten on points by Leon Boshoff.
Kedumetse Mataboge from Bekkersdal also came off second best in his fight against Siyabanga Chili from KwaZulu-Natal.
“It is time to take amateur boxing more seriously in South Africa, specifically in disadvantaged communities. The facilities are not what they should be and not very user-friendly, but we improvise.
Despite this, I just love the boys’ determination,” said Pule Mahloko, trainer, coach and former professional boxer.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
