Despite all the negative things being reported about Eldorado Park, there is more than a glimmer of hope for many young people.
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This is thanks to many residents who are passionate about youth development in the area.
Such responsible citizens are Marcus Dalton and Kyle Strydom, the founders of Bee Sting Boxing Club. The club currently has 30 members with the youngest being six years old.
The coaches know their way around the ring and the boxers work out quite a sweat during training.
Boys and girls who are members of the club all agree that boxing has taught them discipline while keeping them away from the streets and trouble.
“I love boxing because it keeps me busy,” says 11 year old Siyaam Beyers. “I also want to fight in the tournaments so that I can win a medal and a trophy.
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Beyers doesn’t know any professional female boxers that she wants to be like when she grows up but she definitely wants to go professional one day.
For ten year old Zaakir Dalton it’s different. He loves boxing because his grandfather was a boxer when he was young.
For the teenagers who are more senior in the club, things are getting more serious as they prepare for tournament set to take place later this month. They have been training extra hard getting ready to face their opponents in the ring so they can earn bragging rights and move up the rankings.
Zeke Turton did not want to reveal his strategy ahead of the tournament but he is confident about securing a win. “The coach said I must make sure to keep my hands up at all times and have the right footwork,” says Turton. He adds that he likes boxing because it is competitive but he is yet to find a nickname that will intimidate his opponents.
Avroy Booysen is another club member who is oozing confidence ahead of the tournament. His confidence stems from the fact that he has two wins, no draw and loss under his belt.
“I’m a very confident person since I have been training hard,” says Booysen who fights under the lightweight category.
“Even though I have confidence, I will not underestimate my opponent, I’m just going to give it my best.” Booysen is looking forward to the post fight interview where he will also be showcasing his medal.
The Bee Sting Boxing club will also be stinging with Devon ‘And1BronzeBomber’ Musamba in the upcoming tournament.
And1BronzeBomber is also lightweight and has just made senior which means he will be fighting without a headgear. He is not even afraid of revealing his strategy.
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“I’ll be throwing jabs while observing what my opponent is bringing,” explains And1BronzeBomber. “That will help me see if my opponent is a wild starter of he is calm and collected.
“If he is a wild starter, I’m going to make him tired in the first and second rounds. I will then dominate him in the third round and knock him out.”
Judging by the way these young athletes carry themselves, it is clear that Bee Sting Boxing Club has done more than keep them off the streets. It has also helped them develop confidence and discipline while giving them a sense of belonging.
For more information about the club, you can contact 078 161 8835 or 063 393 3301.