Boxing club in Zandspruit develops youngsters
The boxing project is based on the International NGO Fight for Peace, which specialises in using boxing as a tool for conflict resolution.
The UJAB Boxing Club in Zandspruit is a project founded in October 2016 under the Football Without Borders banner. The organisation uses sport, particularly football, as a tool for social development in the informal settlement.
The club has 16 boxers – nine boys and seven girls aged from 10 to 16 years, and is the only one of its kind in the community. It uses boxing to teach life skills to youngsters aged 10 to 16 years.
The boxing project is based on the International NGO Fight for Peace (FFP), which specialises in using boxing as a tool for conflict resolution.
The origins of FFP are based on research into the problem of youth involvement in violence, gangs and crime in informal settlements or slums across four continents.
UJAB Boxing Club was founded by Michael Mapfunde and Nkosinathi Mkhambhi and received assistance from the Canadian Embassy in February and recently received four pairs of boxing shorts and four sets of head gear from Admiral Sports.
Michael said, “For the club to manage affiliation and participation in tournaments, we appeal to the local business community to assist us financially so that we can pay for transport and refreshments when we attend tournaments.
Football Without Borders would like to acknowledge support from the Canadian High Commission in South Africa and Admiral Sport, which has finally allowed the club to affiliate with the Gauteng West District Boxing Association.
The club currently competes in tournaments and receives a lot of support from Phillip Durant of Vikings Boxing Academy in Witpoortjie, who helps UJAB boxers with bi-monthly specialised training at their facility.
Anyone wanting more information on donating and sponsoring the club can contact Michael Kudakwashe Mapfunde on 061 141 1961 or email him at mikemapfunde@gmail.com.
