Youth benefit from Nomeva’s generosity

WHILE he has gone through a turbulent life in his career, boxing’s favourite son, Xolisani “Nomeva” Ndongeni, is refusing to sit back and wallow in self pity.

Instead, the KwaBhaca-born boxer has kept himself busy by ensuring that fellow sports stars are able to showcase their talent in their respective areas.

Ndongeni, who returned to the ring after more than a year’s absence to knock out Malawian Yohane Banda, has teamed up with soccer star Mlungisi Mbunjane, who plays for National First Division outfit Cape Town All Stars, to organise a soccer tournament at the Likakane rural area, one of the Mount Frere villages.

The tournament, which has been held every year, was in danger of being discontinued due to lack of funds and dwindling interest from organisers.

But Ndongeni and Mbunjane rolled up their sleeves and got down to business to make sure that it does not phase out, as happened to the Premier Boxing League (PBL), which slipped into oblivion without paying him his R1 million first prize.

Their efforts have now made the event a sport hub for the youth during the Christmas holiday.

“We decided to revive the interest in this tournament by making sure that kids get the opportunity to showcase their talent,” he said, amid deafening vuvuzela noise.

Despite his cell phone constantly losing signal due to the remote condition of the village, enthusiasm from the eloquent boxer was able to seep through, while screams of delight from spectators reverberated in the background.

“I am losing signal here, so I did not get what you were asking,” he said.

The situation is in contrast from the bright lights of America, to which Ndongeni is accustomed after joining the Mayweather gymnasium in an attempt to revive his own floundering career.

While they could not secure financial backing from Mvimvubu Municipality after belatedly approaching it for assistance, the tournament was able to make a significant mark in the bank balance of the winners, Two For Joy, which walked away with the R15 000 first prize.

Boasting eight clubs from the rural areas of KwaBhaca, the contest was divided into four teams each, with the last two from each group advancing to the semifinals.

Ndongeni says the enthusiasm from the participating teams has been phenomenal.

“We have decided to grow this tournament in the following years because kids here are hungry for action.”

Asked how he will be able to be part of the organisers when he is currently pursuing his career in the US, having only returned for the Christmas break, Ndongeni assures that even if he will not be present in person he will make sure that kids are not left idle again.