More than 40 young boxers competed at the second annual Cape Peninsula University of Technology’s (CPUT) Mandela Day Boxing Challenge, held at the Bellville campus last Thursday, July 18.
Sanctioned by the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) Western Cape, the event featured at least 21 fights with the 42 participants from CPUT, the University of the Western Cape (UWC), Stellenbosch, Overberg, Nyanga and Hermanus. Boxers competed in weight classes ranging from 48kg to over 81kg.
While CPUT and UWC boxers were the main competitors, the event also attracted top-ranked boxers from across the Western Cape. Among them were two South African National Champions: Olwethu Mkhathala, a young female boxer from Stellenbosch, and Sihle Mjongile, a young male boxer from Hermanus.
CPUT team manager, Mdingi Mvemve, noted that this year’s competition was exciting and highly competitive, with boxers starting their preparations as early as April.
The event also featured music and modelling students, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Western Cape champions Khaya Mlata and Asekho Nocele, who grew up in the SANABO Western Cape Open Boxing setup, were also in attendance.
“I merely organised the entire event by communicating with the coaches, preparing the venue, and marketing. Bulelani Mlakalaka is the custodian of the event and ensured its success against all odds,” said Mvemve.
“As the CPUT team manager, I have to ensure our boxers are ready and provide opportunities for boxers within the province. As the vice president of SANABO WC, I am committed to developing all boxers in the province to preserve and showcase their talent,” said Mvemve.
In red, Asanele Mngxali, from African Youth, exchanges blows with CPUT’s Bukelwa Zantsi during their 57kg female bout at the Bellville campus. Picture: Lonwabo MareleVictory for Avile Tsoko from Bardale, against Anelihle Bukwana, from CPUT, in the male’s 51kg bout. Picture: Lonwabo MareleCPUT Boxing Club coach, Sinethemba Madikazi, analysing one of his fighters during a bout. Picture: Lonwabo MareleProfessional cruiserweight boxer, Sandiso Kota (2-1-0) with UWC’s Amahle Makraqwana ahead of his 63.5kg bout. Picture: Lonwabo MareleCPUT’s Isaki Mba throws a straight left punch while his opponent from UWC, Amahle Makraqwana slips it. Picture: Lonwabo MareleCPUT’s Isaki Mba victorious over UWC’s Amahle Makraqwana in the 63.5kg category. Picture: Lonwabo MareleCPUT team manager, Mdingi Mvemve and ring announcer, Terror Lingani, ensuring all the boxers are ready and in the boxing ring for the Mandela Day Boxing Challenge. Picture: Lonwabo MareleCoach Mvumelwano Thamela, with his boxer Isaki Mba, from CPUT, alongisde UWC’s Amahle Makraqwana and University Sport South Africa (USSA) NEC member, Lusapho Mhlatshaneni. Picture: Lonwabo MareleIn a thrilling showdown at the CPUT Mandela Day Boxing Challenge last Thursday, UWC’s André Visagie, in blue, emerged victorious over Stellenbosch’s Duayne Smith. Picture: Lonwabo MareleMid-way through the match, André Visagie took a good blow, but he demonstrated remarkable resilience. Shaking off the hit, he continued to fight with determination, ultimately securing a hard-fought victory against Duayne Smith in the 63.5kg category. Picture: Lonwabo MareleCPUT’s Tumelo Mothibedi, in blue, in defence against Sugajazz’s Inga Phalaza. Phalaza won on points after knocking Mothibedi down in the second round. Picture: Lonwabo MareleFrom left, boxing administrator, Terror Lingani, with the Western Cape Open Boxing Organisation’s president, Andrew Phokeng, alongside prospect and Western Cape superbantam weight champion, Khaya Mlata, with CPUT team manager, Mdingi Mvemve, at the Mandela Day Boxing Challenge at the Bellville campus on July 18. Picture: Lonwabo MareleIn the red, Athini Ntesha up against Inkwenkwezi’s Buthelezi Khatyana. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
