Boxing tournament raise awareness against drugs abuse and crime
The aim of hosting the tournament was to revive boxing in Mamelodi and surrounding areas and raise drug abuse awareness.
The Mabetha boxing club held a street boxing tournament for children in Mamelodi last week Saturday.
The event was held at Section Bufferzone last week Saturday.
“This is not the first time we held this tournament,” said Jan Mathole of the Mabetha boxing club.
The club is one of the oldest boxing clubs in Tshwane. It has invited more than 10 boxing clubs from around Tshwane and from as far as Mpumalanga and North West.
He said the tournament was aimed at raising drug awareness and keeping children busy and out of trouble.
Mathole said they also wanted to encourage local kids to participate in various sporting codes.
“We have a lot of talent here in Mamelodi,” he said.
“Some of these children do not even know how talented they are and that we have our very own boxing club here in Mamelodi.
“We want to allow them to have access to physical training, reduce drug abuse and eliminate crime amongst the youth.”
The tournament was also about coaching, guiding and helping young boxers to prepare for tournaments.
Mabetha further said he was happy with the turnout and parents’ involvement.
“This tournament will also sharpen the boxing fans’ appetite and will go a long way in reviving the sport in Mamelodi.
“It is also an opportunity for amateur boxers to gauge their skills before getting the chance to compete in the upcoming boxing competitions,” said Mathole.
“Among the boxers was Khaya Gabuza, who is set to take part in team South Africa 2022 attending their first tournament in Zambia next month.”
The club’s next tournament is planned for June.
Co-founder of the club, Santy Mathole said the tournament was made possible thanks to the sponsors.
“The business owner of Bavumile Pub & Grill donated tables, chairs and a small tent for us to use throughout the tournament.
“Mr & Mrs Kgapula accommodated us with their yard in terms of toilets, weigh-in area, water and the officials meeting. Elvia Makama, a former boxer, helped us with transporting equipment and children.”
The tournament was for everyone from nine years and older. All participants walked away with medals and certificates.
The boxing club said they desperately needed sponsors of training equipment.
For more information about the club or sponsors, contact Santy Mathole on 071 179 5891.
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