Randgate boxers exchange final blow of 2023
Randgate Boxing Club hosted the last tournament of the year with eight of their members having been declared winners in their respective bouts.
On October 28, members of the Randgate Boxing Club (RABC) went head-to-head in the ring against opponents from various clubs.
The first bout was at noon while the last boxing match finished at about 17:00. Friends and family sat ringside biting their nails as the Randgate boxers fought tough battles. Even though the fights were challenging, eight boxers from the Randgate club managed to win. All eight boxers obtained a golden medal signifying their achievements.
One of the members, Barney Haynes, received the title Man of the Match, receiving two golden medals. The eight winners were Keenan Kloupas, Barney Haynes, Nathan Hartmann, Justin Kloupas, Donell Kloupas, Handré Beckert, Richelle Davis en Karlien Wilken.
The RABC along with Willie Consalves, the club president, thanks the sponsors that allowed the tournament to happen. Among these sponsors were FourAela Steel, Westgate Meat Market, Print Fection, Wally Bubb, Diana Print, Kassie and Elize Scheepers, Gravity Industrial Group and Moe’s Fruit and Veg.
Willie also expressed his appreciation for the hard work and dedication that the coaches executed throughout this year, adding that these coaches volunteer to train the youth, taking two hours of their time every evening to ensure the boxers are trained for the next match. Special thanks were given to Ap Matthews, Louise Matthews, Leon Gonsalves, Tienie Blom, Petri Wilken and Willie Consalves.
This tournament was RABC’s last tournament of 2023 and according to Willie, they plan to enter 2024 with great excitement and devotion. The tournaments are hosted as a means to develop young boxers as well as help them with the struggles of personal issues.
“The RABC’s goal is to host four out of five tournaments in their district every year so that our boxers get the chance to grow,” he said.
Even though the RABC is making big steps towards success, Willie claims that the club is short of proper transport. He states that they need a 32-seat bus that can transfer boxers to other provinces and give the club the chance to box internationally as well.
Willie stated that the club’s main priority is to keep children off the streets and out of trouble while they also learn to defend themselves against those who feel the need to cause harm.
