Resident instils love for boxing in Ramaphosa
On Heritage Day, the club held its first boxing match where two of its members walked away with trophies.
In his efforts to ignite the love for boxing, former Free State boxing champion Sibusiso Lekonyana has formed a new boxing club.
The Ramaphosa Boksburg Club has been in existence since June. It has attracted young people interested in the sport between the ages of six to 36 years.
According to Lekonyana, when he moved to Ramaphosa in 2019 he noticed that there were no sporting facilities or sports clubs, especially for boxing.
“Because I love boxing I decided to conduct classes to teach children boxing. I approached Sibusiso Zingange, who is a known professional boxer to assist me to train these children.”
Lekonyana, who has created a safe haven for children, said the club keeps the young ones off the streets and besides the physical benefits of boxing, it also teaches the children discipline.
“Some of the members that we have in the club include girls because we believe that boxing enables one to be respected and it also helps not to become a victim of violence.”
A community member, Philemon Lebitso, sacrificed his time and money to clean a local dumpsite along Elsburg Road. This location is now used by the club for training.
The club recently held its first boxing match on Heritage Day where two of its members walked away with trophies.
One of the girls who won, Iminathi Zingange (11), said she loves boxing because it teaches her how to defend herself against bullies.
Another winner, Jack Monchusi (19), said the boxing classes have kept him busy and away from the streets.
The club appeals to the public to assist with punching bags, a boxing stage and gloves. Anyone who would like to donate can contact Lekonyana on 073 346 5667 or 079189 4025.
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