Boxing classes for Malvern youth
Queensburgh resident opens his home to the youth to teach boxing.
SINCE opening his home as a venue for boxing classes to children from Queensburgh and Chesterville, Louis du Plessis says the initiative has grown tremendously.
“It all started when my son, Junior, showed an interest in boxing. One day, during a match, I saw some children whom I thought would be perfect for Junior to train with. I got to know the coach, Junior Yombo Yombo, who invited us to Chesterville to train,” said the Malvern resident.
When du Plessis got to Chesterville and saw how the sport kept children off the streets and out of trouble, he knew he wanted to be involved and took the position as assistant coach alongside Yombo Yombo.
Yombo Yombo’s boxing school is called Overcome Boxing as many of the children have shown immense strength in overcoming their trauma and troubles and staying dedicated to boxing.
“I wanted to start classes for the youth in Queensburgh and asked Coach Yombo Yombo to train these children from my home four times a week. He agreed, but it wasn’t working out as the youth in Chesterville also needed him, so he returned to Chesterville,” said Du Plessis.
Another boxing star, who was coached by Yombo Yombo, decided he would fill in the gap and take over as coach for Du Plessis’ classes in Malvern. He called the group Burra Boxing and Fitness Training. Some children, who come from underprivileged backgrounds, are given the classes at no charge.
Mondli Nzuza, also from Chesterville, said he was a ‘naughty boy’, but it was boxing that put him on the right path and kept him there.
“When I came to Chesterville, I was involved in drugs. My parents said I must start doing some sort of sport in order to keep myself busy. I started running, and one day, I saw coach Yombo Yombo training some children in Chesterville. I was captivated by the moves and decided I would join,” said Nzuza.
He began training with the club but had to leave as the days and times clashed with his schoolwork and he could not commit to a class, so he continued with his running instead.
“Coach Yombo Yombo then invited me back to the club and asked me to train, more to learn self-defence, so I re-joined at the age of 17. I am now 21, and I don’t regret joining boxing at all. The sport saved me,” he said.
Nzuza said that what motivated him to keep going was that the youth looked up to him as a role model, so there was no way he could ever revert to his old life.
“I have seen children’s attitudes, behaviour and overall personalities change after joining boxing. It has been like therapy for many of the youth who face troubles. I would like to encourage parents to send their children to boxing, especially young girls, so they can also learn how to defend themselves,” said Nzuza.
Du Plessis echoed Nzuza’s sentiments and would like Burra Boxing to grow from the 20 children that it now has.
He and Nzuza have plans to move classes to some premises soon. To join the class, call 078 450 2111. You can also visit their Facebook, Burra Boxing and Fitness Training, for more information.
