TZANEEN – Tzaneen was a buzz of activity as boxers from across the country took part in the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) championship for cadets and juniors last week.

The event hosted boxers from eight provinces competing in two categories, cadet for 12–14-year-olds, and juniors for 15-to-16-year-olds and was hosted at the Tzaneng Mall parking area.

The Eastern Cape was named overall winner, followed by Western Cape, KwaZulu-Natal third, while Limpopo settled for the sixth place.

However, local boxers did not disappoint as Blain Phillips and Oliver Ruan, both won bronze medals.

Event organiser and the PRO for the Limpopo organising committee, Gerhard Rossouw, said the event was a great success and thanked the local organising committee for their commitment and hard work, together with the local businesses and community.

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“SANABO deemed our event as the most organised tournament in the country, so we are thrilled with how things turned out. We had huge support from the local businesses, the Department of Sports Arts and Culture and the local people. Next year we will host another championship in July in Polokwane,” he said.

Rossouw is also a coach at the Champs Boxing Academy in Tzaneen, situated at the Tzaneen Showgrounds.

Gordon Shilaluke, a coach from Dan village representing team Limpopo, says he is immensely proud of the Limpopo boxers, they showed character and there are on the right path.

“Limpopo is the only province that host an event of this size in a shopping mall making it different and exciting. The challenge for most teams and clubs, especially in the rural areas, is funding. It makes it difficult to attract more boxers as they face challenges such as transport. However, with event like this, we are moving in the right direction.”