Thembisa boxing club empowers girls and boys
Led by coach Wiseman Vusi Mabaso, the club trains 25 children, many from underprivileged homes, to channel their energy.
In the heart of Winnie Mandela Zone 2, Thembisa, a small garage pulses with energy, laughter, and the steady rhythm of young feet learning to fight, not in the streets, but for a better future.
Mabaso Amateurs Boxing Club Foundation (M.A.B.C.F.) boasts a group of determined girls and boys who are stepping into the ring and redefining what strength, confidence, and leadership look like in their community.
Founded not by design but by destiny, the club was born when Wiseman Vusi Mabaso, a lifelong boxing enthusiast, responded to a request from his granddaughter, Lihle.
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“Mkhulu, please train us,” she asked.
That simple plea sparked what has become one of Thembisa’s most promising youth empowerment initiatives.
“I didn’t choose it; it chose me,” said Mabaso, who began boxing at the age of 10 to stand up to bullies.
What started as neighbourhood training sessions evolved into a structured club built on the values of self-discipline, self-respect, and resilience.
What sets M.A.B.C.F. apart is its heartbeat, a dynamic team of girls aged between five to 19, who are leading the charge in a sport still largely dominated by boys.
While boys are welcome and actively involved, the girls have become the soul of the club.
“They are natural-born fighters,” Mabaso said.
“They are full of fire, commitment, and unbelievable skill. It is marvellous to watch. They’ve taken it further than I ever imagined.”
Currently, the club has 25 young boxers, all still in school and many from homes facing financial hardship.
Training takes place each afternoon after school, with additional sessions on Saturday mornings dedicated to running and sparring.
But boxing is only one part of the story. The children are dancers, singers, and gymnasts, multi-talented and full of potential.
Mabaso’s aim goes beyond building athletes. His vision is to keep children off the streets and away from drugs, crime, and hopelessness.
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Despite their passion and growing skill, the club operates under challenging conditions.
Training takes place in a cramped garage with minimal resources, borrowed gloves, no protective gear, and no dedicated ring.
Even basic equipment like a weighing scale or first aid kit is missing.
The gloves they have are often too large for the younger boxers’ small hands.
Many of the children arrive at training on an empty stomach.
Mabaso helps when he can, often buying bread and eggs, but hunger is a daily struggle.
“We do what we can,” he said.
“Sometimes you can just see it in their eyes – that tiredness, that hunger. But they still show up.”
In February 2025, M.A.B.C.F. became a registered NPO, and Mabaso hopes this will open doors for funding, sponsorship, and support.
The club is appealing to individuals, businesses, and the community for support in any form, from equipment to essentials.
Their most urgent needs include properly sized gloves, gum guards, headgear, and waist protectors. The club also needs a boxing ring and weighing scales, club vests, trainers, a safe and larger training venue, a first aid kit, sanitary pads for the girls, and nutritious food or meal sponsorships.
For more information, contact Mabaso on 071 803 7089 or 060 694 3933.
Alternatively, donors can email wisemanvusi17943@gmail.com
