Dundee’s teen boxing sensation prepares for national championships
Dundee learner Nomfanelo Ndlovu prepares for national boxing championships while balancing schoolwork and intense training.
Dundee boxing sensation Nomfanelo Ndlovu is using lessons learned in the ring to shape her future as she prepares for the South African National Boxing Organisation Championships in East London later this month.
The Dundee High School Grade 11 teen is taking a measured approach to the championships, recalling how it was her brother who inspired her to go to the gym as a way of controlling her temper. From there, she was in the ring – learning that, in boxing, you have to control your temper or else it will control you.
“Hard as it may be, you have to tolerate other people’s behaviour,” Nomfanelo told the Courier, adding that she has put in strenuous sessions to prepare for the championships – with long and endless workouts, and watching her diet to ensure that she maintains her weight.
Her family is her support base
Asked what it means to have been selected for the championships, Nomfanelo said: Not only is she representing herself, but also her community and family.
“This is what keeps me going when the going gets tough. My family have been my biggest supporters, while, at the gym, I am fortunate to have Phiwokuhle Mnguni (herself a former DHS learner and KZN Sportswoman of the Year) to assist me.” Nomfanelo said she hopes for further recognition in her sport, which will help her to win a scholarship and sponsors.
Video of Nomfanelo in action:
Every time she steps in the ring, she tells herself that she was ‘born to do this’. “Of course, I also get scared but I never let the fear take over.”
What about balancing school work and boxing? “Am used to multitasking and while sometimes it is difficult, my only two focus points are school and training.” She says every training session is tough, and sparring against boys makes it tougher.
Her message to young girls wishing to follow her lead is: Don’t be afraid, work hard. “Don’t look at boxing as a hard, violent sport. Not everything comes on a silver platter – it comes with hard work – and remember, don’t hate the player, hate the game.” The Courier wishes Nomfanelo well as she heads for East London for the biggest fights of her career so far.
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