South Africa’s athletics scene is thriving, thanks in large part to development groups committed to nurturing young talent – and Boxer Athletics Club (BAC) is leading the charge.

With a strong footprint across multiple provinces, BAC is empowering athletes from grassroots level to national podiums. The club’s unwavering commitment to development and inclusion continues to open doors for youth from all walks of life.

Vosloorus: A platform for young champions

In Vosloorus, the Mario Training Group has been making a difference under the BAC Development banner for the past five years. The group supports athletes from as young as five up to U23 level, with several going on to represent Gauteng at the SA U23 Championships in Cape Town in March.

More than just competition, the team celebrates the potential of their athletes, affectionately calling them ‘Our Stars’.

Eastern Cape: Rising against the odds

In the Eastern Cape, BAC Border is growing under the leadership of seasoned official and coach Simon Ngxeke. Since joining BAC in late 2023, Ngxeke has focused on building the team through school athletics recruitment. His efforts have helped several athletes earn provincial recognition in cross-country and podium finishes in 2024.

Despite 90% of BAC Border’s athletes coming from rural communities – many requiring accommodation before events – the club has continued to perform in junior, senior, and social running categories.

Standout athletes include junior 10km winner Image Norayase and consistent performer Uviwe Simon. Others showing great promise are Emmah Nqakulela, Liyema Piyose, and young twins Naba and Nabo Mente, both 12, who received Border colours for cross-country.

National impact, local roots

Across its various groups, BAC continues to invest in young athletes through coaches and coordinators based in Soweto, Johannesburg, Boksburg, Benoni, and rural Eastern Cape.

“The Boxer AC junior team is one of my proudest achievements,” says club manager Rhyn Swanepoel. “To see so many kids from disadvantaged areas wearing the Boxer kit is magic. We cannot wait to see what the future holds.”

Currently, between 50 and 65 young athletes are registered across BAC’s development teams. At the SA Junior Championships, 16 junior athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds competed – 10 boys and six girls.

Two rising stars to watch are 12-year-old Carlos Makheseng and 11-year-old Anzel Homan from Meyerton, Gauteng. Both won the 1km dash at the Boxer Super Run in Tshwane in November 2024.

Boxer Athletics Club’s legacy is built on empowering the next generation – a mission they continue to live out across every race, region, and result.

Boxer AC’s dedication to development extends across multiple regions through various groups and includes:

• Phalula Development – Soweto/Diepkloof/Orange Farm
• Ruimsig Group – Johannesburg
• Coach Thulani Sebeko – Boksburg
• Coach Mario Training – Benoni/Vosloorus
• Simon Border – East London rural and greater Eastern Cape rural

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