SEDIBENG.- Three local boxers represented Sedibeng at the National Boxing Champions held in Cape Town recently.

The three boxers are Bekizizwe Maitse, Tshepang Talala and Mpho Makhanyana. Talana brought home a bronze medal after he finished in the Semi-finals. Maitse finished in the Quarterfinals while Makahanya was unable to fight due to a misunderstanding due to his weight.

Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, Bongani Mahlangu who was part of the tournament officials said that the boys made Sedibeng proud regardless of the hostility from the hosts during fights. Mahlangu said Talana was unfortunate not to bring a gold medal home because he was all over his opponent, but decisions went against him. Mahlangu believes that Talana was somehow robbed because he was fighting against a local boy, “with everything in his favour including the judges”.

“It is not as if I’m complaining but I believe he deserved to win that fight but unfortunately he was up against local opponent and every decision would went against him or in favour of his opponent. But I must say I’m very proud of our boys and Sedibeng was well represented because we didn’t go to Cape Town for holidays. I want to thank Mr Madikizela from  the Emfuleni Local Municipality Sports Department for his support. He is always there for our boxers, helping out even with transport. His role can’t be overlooked in the development of boxing in Emfuleni because of his commitment and passion for the sport,” said Mahlangu.

Mahlangu told Sedibeng Ster Sport that the aim is to bring boxing back to its golden old days when Vaal used to rule when it comes to this sport.