Alberton’s McAusland Boxing Gym welcomes new coach

McAusland Boxing Gym in Kibler Park recently welcomed Khangelani Jack as its new additional coach.

Jack is a seasoned coach with a strong record in amateur national coaching and won the 2023 Trainer of the Year award. His achievements and dedication to boxing align with McAusland Boxing Gym’s values and quality of training.

Jack has experience in the Eastern Cape, particularly in Mdantsane, recognised for its boxing scene. His objective is to maintain the gym’s integrity and respect as a clubhouse that has been a vital support system for many professional fighters from various provinces.

“My goal for the team is to foster a family-like atmosphere and work together to help each boxer achieve their dreams.

“I wish to encourage those who have started boxing to improve their lifestyle and provide for their families. I want to help them achieve their goals,” Jack said.

His dedication to boxing remains strong, especially in the face of personal responsibilities, thanks to his family’s backing.

“With boxing almost coming to a standstill around the country over the last year, I had to make a tough decision to leave my wife and children and come to Gauteng to find better opportunities. I am the breadwinner and doing what I must do as a husband and father,” said Jack.

McAusland Boxing Gym’s resident coach, Arafaat Kock, has substantial sporting experience, including a tenure with the Blue Bulls from 2009 to 2012 and notable contributions to club rugby.

His degree in exercise science and sports conditioning complements the gym’s purpose of reclaiming respect in SA boxing and providing a platform for boxers to achieve their full potential.

Kock’s vision for the gym highlights the importance of community and shared goals, “Being in the same place with people on the same mission in life makes the hard training days a bit easier. We’re all in it together.”

A proud home to champions and rising stars

McAusland Boxing Gym is the training ground for some of SA’s top boxing talents, including:

• Simangele Hadebe, SA champion in the flyweight division, ABU champion, ranked ninth in the world and in the top 10 in the Commonwealth.

• Donjuan van Heerden, a former seven-time champion as an amateur, is the Gauteng champion in the middleweight division and ranked number two in SA.

• Monica Mkandla, unbeaten in the bantamweight division with a record of 5-0, ranked number four in Africa.

• Bonita van Jaarsveld, the current SA champion in the lightweight division and rated number five in Africa.
• Bernice Ferreira, ranked number three in Africa in the junior lightweight division.

• Sihle Shange, a rising talent rated number nine in the bantamweight division, with three straight wins.

• Lybon Ntashali, making a name in the welterweight division and rated number three in Gauteng.

• Bouksan Bukasa, renowned for his formidable prowess in the ring, boasting a 100% KO rate with every win.

“McAusland Boxing Gym is a formidable challenger for boxing excellence in SA because of Jack’s commitment to champion development, Kock’s experience in sports conditioning, and shared community values.

“The gym aims to develop world-class boxers while also providing a nurturing atmosphere for their personal, spiritual, and professional development,” explained Colleen McAusland, McAusland’s boxing manager.

For more information about the gym, call Colleen on 072 151 1194 or email comms@africanbrandarchitects.com