Bert Collins boxers punch their way into Gauteng team for SA
Three young fighters from Bert Collins Boxing Club earned their spots on the Gauteng team for the SA Boxing Championships, each bringing grit, pride and big dreams to Pretoria.
Three rising stars from the Bert Collins Boxing Club represented Gauteng at the South African Boxing Championships in Pretoria from July 2 to 7.
Jean-Louie van Biljon, Jacobus Jonkers, and Geanné Dicks told the Springs Advertiser they were proud to represent their club, town, and province.
Van Biljon said this was his first time competing at the South African Championships, and that meant stepping up his training.
Earlier this year, he boxed in the 66kg junior weight division and won gold at the Gauteng Novice Championships.
“The lesson I’ve learnt is that you should never underestimate anyone and always work harder to be the best,” said Van Biljon.
He added that after the championship, his goal is to qualify for the 2028 Olympics.
Jonkers, who also earned gold at the Gauteng Novice Championships in the 71kg youth weight division, said the training has been more intense than before.
“What I liked most was being allowed to hit bags and spar with the other guys. What I didn’t like was the fitness part, but that’s what helped me the most,” he said.
He said he hoped to use this opportunity as a step toward becoming a professional boxer. Like any sportsperson before a huge tournament, there is some anxiety, but Jonkers said, “I tell myself that I’ve got this and I’m going to win.”
The only female in the trio, Dicks is no stranger to the national stage. Already an eight-time national champion, she said this year’s tournament carries personal meaning.
“This time around, it is to prove that I can still do it. I want to continue making myself, my family, and the club proud,” she said.
Despite the school holidays, Dicks admitted that balancing work and training has been challenging. Her most defining moment in the ring, she said, was winning two consecutive years against the same opponent.
“After the medal ceremony, she came to me and said, ‘I went to the gym and trained harder to beat you, but you got even better.’ That’s when I knew I loved the sport.”
Dicks’ coach, Minnet Kritzinger, has also been selected to represent Gauteng as a coach at the championships. Meanwhile, fellow club member Eugene Scholtz, who won bronze in the 66kg youth division at the Novice Championships, will cheer them on from the sidelines.
“Though I’m not going, I know how hard they’ve worked to get here. They can do this; they have to keep going,” said Scholtz.
Bert Collins Boxing Club head coach Jeanette Dyzel shared that over the weekend, Dicks competed in the 81kg weight category at the South African Youth and Elite Championships and won on a 5–0 points decision against her opponent, Nozipho Ndlangamandla.
“As her head coach, I am extremely proud of the progress she has made and the courage she showed throughout the competition. She has shown that she has what it takes to go far in this sport.”
Dyzel also said they decided Jonkers would not participate in the SA Championships, but he did take part in the Gauteng Elite Championship, where he won silver. Dicks was also the vice-captain of the team. The Gauteng elite team placed first overall with the most gold medals and secured second place in the youth category.
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