Bert Collins boxers impress in Koedoespoort tournament with strong performances
Four Bert Collins boxers showed courage and skill at a Koedoespoort tournament, with first-time fighters and experienced juniors earning victories and valuable experience in the ring.
Four Bert Collins boxers participated in a tournament in Koedoespoort, Pretoria, on Saturday. Fourteen-year-old Tiaan Scholtz from Laerskool Christiaan Beyers climbed through the ropes for the first time to fight Mafuso Mbongo from Mamelodi Boxing Club.
Scholtz won by disqualification in the first round due to his opponent’s protective mouthguard repeatedly falling out. The second bout was between Laerskool Jan van Riebeeck’s Keegan Dyzel (11) and Gerald du Preez from Tuine Tiere Boxing Club in Pretoria.
Bert Collins’ head coach Jeanette Dyzel told the Springs Advertiser that Dyzel surprised them as coaches with his courage and perseverance.
Dyzel dominated the first round, but in the second round he lost some pace, giving his opponent the chance to level the fight. The third round was nail-biting, with both boxers giving their all. Unfortunately, Dyzel lost with a 2/1 decision.
“As coaches we are very proud of him and know, with his lion heart, he will achieve many more victories,” Dyzel said.
Fifteen-year-old Tristan van Tonder from Protea School, no longer a newcomer to the ring, faced Mikhail de Lange from Transnet Boxing Club in Pretoria in the third bout.
Dyzel said Van Tonder did not disappoint the crowd. With his ring skill and strength, he gave his opponent a boxing lesson and emerged the winner with a 3/0 points decision.
The last bout featured 13-year-old JT Mienie from Brakpan East Primary School, who also made his debut against Charles van Emmenis from Pretoria Noord Boxing Club.
Dyzel shared that from the start Mienie was too strong for his opponent and won with an ABD (abandoned), meaning the opposing coach withdrew his boxer.
Blessing Taguma was scheduled to fight Khumo Marivate from Mabopane Boxing Club in Pretoria, but Marivate did not show up, resulting in the cancellation of Taguma’s fight.
“Coaches Minnet Kritzinger and Frans van der Linde are satisfied with the boxers’ performances this weekend, but as with every tournament, we realise there is still room for improvement.
“So we go back to the club and work with each boxer to improve their skills,” said Dyzel.
The club trains on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 18:00 to 20:00. Anyone interested in joining can WhatsApp Dyzel on 069 207 9481.
