LIMPOPO – Gold medalist Mkateko Sithole returned from the Women’s African Boxing Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon with a bronze medal.
The 38-year-old woman returned triumphantly having reached the semifinals where she lost to Nigeria’s Patricia Mbata in the second round. The championship took place from July 27 to August 5
Sithole’s exceptional skills and determination earned her a well-deserved bronze medal, along with a generous prize of $5 000 and a bronze medal.
Sithole from Mahonisi village outside Malamulele in the Vhembe district, started boxing in 2016 at the age of 31 at the Malamulele Boxing Gym under the guidance of Eric Baloyi.
Despite her boxing journey not being an easy one, Sithole has collected three silver medals for Africa zone 4 and two bronze medals in the AFBC African Boxing Championships.
Sithole has had 29 fights and six losses and last year she was at the World Women’s Championship in Turkey, where she lost by a split decision.
She was part of a team that represented South Africa during the championship.
That was no mean feat for a woman from the rural Malamulele, where sporting facilities are almost non-existent.
This is not the first time she has represented the country.
About her trip to Cameroon, Sithole said it was an eye-opener as she learned a lot.
“I lost in the semifinals I did not come back empty-handed. I got the prize money and a bronze medal. For me, this is a great achievement and I am thrilled. My participation in the championship has motivated me to work even harder and aim for the best,” she concluded.
