SEBOKENG.- After stopping fighting as a boxer, Sibongile Khambule is determined to become a boxing judge.

This 19-year-old told Sedibeng Ster Sport wants to become one of the few female professional boxing judges. Khambule was speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport during the Sedibeng Boxing Tournament held at Saul Tsotetsi Sports Centre in Sebokeng recently where she was the only female judge and a ring announcer.

Khambule said that she also wants to be a referee because being a judge and a referee complements each other. “I enjoyed this role of being a judge and I think I will be volunteering to do this in the upcoming boxing tournaments. I thought it was a difficult thing to be a judge but I was wrong and thank those coaches who helped me to understand what is needed to be a judge and ring announcer.”

“I was very nervous because this was my first experience to be a judge but I ended up enjoying this role with their help. I know there are a few female boxing judges, especially at this level and I want to be more involved. I was a boxer but I decided to stop fighting and now I have found my passion to be a judge. I’m eager to learn from those who have been there before it and I have no doubt that I’m going to make a name for myself being one of the female judges,” said Khambule.

Khambule was a boxer fighting for the Cutter Mahlangu Boxing Club from Boipatong.

She was one of the promising girl child boxers before she showed interest in judging and refereeing. With Cutter Mahlangu as her mentor, there is no doubt that Khambule is destined for a great future in boxing. She is passionate about boxing and eager to learn from her seniors.