Siyamthanda Wophela was just eight years old when he first stepped up to a punching bag in 2005, watching his school principal train other learners.
That moment stirred a desire in him that would shape the rest of his life.

His principal became his first coach, though the young Wophela had no idea that boxing would one day become his livelihood. He was still too young, he said, to fully understand the world around him.

For Wophela, who now lives in a Randburg Square apartment, boxing was never just about the sport itself. He believes competition has the power to change lives and steer young people away from the social ills that plague many communities.

“To me, competition is far more than just sport,” he said. “It changes lives by steering people away from social ills in our communities, such as drug abuse and violence.”

Read more: Randburg boxer Siyamthanda Wophela turns passion into purpose

The road was not easy in the beginning. Wophela said many people around him dismissed his passion as a passing phase, and for a long time he had little support to draw on.

“In the beginning, people thought it was just a temporary phase,” he said. “It felt that way because I didn’t receive much support.”

Today, the tables have turned. Wophela now gives back to the sport that shaped him, teaching boxing techniques and helping others get into shape. Some of the boxers he has trained have gone on to compete in amateur White Collar boxing events.

His training schedule is demanding. Mondays and Wednesdays begin at 05:00 with a morning run, followed by evening gym sessions until 20:00. Tuesdays and Thursdays are set aside for sparring, and Fridays bring another early morning run. Saturdays see him back at the gym for training from 08:00, before he finally rests on Sundays.

Despite the packed week, Wophela said balancing sport and work has never felt like a burden.

“Balancing sport and work is not difficult because my job is doing what I love. I spend most of my time at the gym sharing my skills,” he said.

The path has come at a personal cost. Wophela chose to live away from his family in pursuit of his goals, a sacrifice he hopes will pay off in the long run.

“I sacrificed living with my family to pursue my goals and secure my future. I want to return home with something tangible to show and to be able to provide for my family,” he said.

Ask him about his proudest moment, and Wophela does not hesitate. It was the day he represented South Africa as an amateur boxer and wore the national colours.

Also read: Minimumweight division bruiser goes from rural school grounds to pro boxing ring

“My proudest moment was representing South Africa as an amateur and wearing the national colours. That is when I realised I could make something of myself, even coming from the townships,” he said.

Wophela now trains under coach Bernie Larlman and is supported by Special Ops Security Company, based in Bryanston. He credits the backing as an important part of his continued progress in the sport.

Looking ahead, his ambitions stretch far beyond his own career in the ring.

“My dream is to become a champion and a role model for the youth. I want to contribute where I can and open a facility where young people can train and transform their lives, not just through boxing, but through various other sports,” he said.

Wophela hopes his story encourages other young people to keep exploring their options, whatever their circumstances.

“What people should know about me is that I am a disciplined individual who grew up in sports. My message to young people is to explore every avenue. If you struggle academically, turn to sports. It doesn’t have to be boxing. There are many sports you can pursue,” he said.

Follow us on our Whatsapp channel, Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates!