Ga-Rankuwa youths celebrate Madiba through boxing
Three Ga-Rankuwa organisations hosts a boxing tournament to celebrate Nelson Mandela’s 100 years of centenary.
A boxing tournament were held in Zone 1 community hall last Saturday to celebrate former president and boxer boxer Nelson Mandela’s 100 years centenary.
The tournament was held by the Faith and Hope Foundation, together with the Ga-Rankuwa sports council.
Faith and Hope Foundation spokesperson Faith Sibeko said the event has held because “Mandela was both a boxer and passionate about the youth”.
The tournament catered for both junior and senior boxers from Soshanguve, Letlhabile, Mamelodi and Ga-Rankuwa boxing club.
Siya Ngwenya (9) and Junior Kgaphola (10) from Mamelodi broke the ice when they battled to a draw in a three-round match.
“I started boxing this year and this is my first tournament. So far I am happy,” said Ngwenya.
The tournament stepped up a notch when the senior boxers entered the ring.
The first fight in the senior division was between Issac Sepoma (21) from Mamelodi and Matlhatsi Masetloa (19) from Soshanguve.
With his ability to dodge punches, Sepoma appeared to be the fastest, making it difficult for Masetloa to attack. His defensive strategy saw him lose to Masetloa, with Masetloa earning points.
However, the highlight of the day was a knock-out match that lasted not longer than a mere 20 seconds.
The audience cheered Tshepo Bodigelo (23) from Letlhabile for setting what must be a new record when he knocked out Koketso Mthombeni (19) from Soshanguve in the very first round.
“I do not know what happened, but what I know is that if I was offered a second round I would win it,” claimed Mthombeni.
The last match saw Simphiwe Moloi (20) of Letlhabile versus Knowledge Moyo of Mamelodi.
Moyo, with his ability to attack, showed the same qualities of speed as his teammate Sepoma.
He scored more points in the first round. His opponent, Moloi came into the second round rejuvenated, but Moyo proved to be a tough one to beat when he won the last round.
Mamelodi coach Kabelo Motsisi (19) said he preferred coaching his boxers from an early age, as it it built confidence.
“I started coaching Moyo when he was very young,” Motsisi said.
“Even when he is in the ring, I do not have to say much, because he knows what he is doing.”
Sibeko urged everyone who would like to participate to contact them on 082-405-0693.
“The reason why we chose boxing is that Ga-Rankuwa is known for soccer,” said Sibeko.
“So we are also trying to expose other talents because not everyone can play soccer. Our motive is to promote all sports in the whole of Tshwane.”
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