Tete is a worthy champ deserving of good fortune

Our two-time boxing world champion Zolani Tete was presented with a brand new Mercedes-Benz C43 AMG in recognition of his exceptional talent. No one is more deserving than “The Last Born” - as Tete is known in boxing circles. The sponsorship was announced at an event hosted by Mercedes-Benz South Africa (MBSA) and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation in East London on Wednesday.

Flanked by close family and his manager Mla Tengimfene, Tete said: “I would like to thank my parents, today I will drive this car because of what they taught me in life.

“I also want to thank Mercedes-Benz, it is a dream come true. I used to see people driving nice cars. I did not know this day would come true.” His comments were followed by assuring applause. Among those who cheered and clapped hands was the former IBF superbantamweight champion Vuyani Bungu. Like Tete, Bungu was once the toast of the boxing world.

He was the first East London-based boxer to be presented with a vehicle, a Mercedes-Benz C Class, by MBSA in 1998. His shock defeat of Kennedy McKinney, to gain the title, in 1994 made the boxing world to stand up and notice him.

Bungu went on to set a new record for a South African boxer when he defended his title 13 times, eclipsing Brian Mitchell’s previous record.

He finally relinquished the title in 2000 when he moved up to the featherweight division. He lost by TKO to Naseem Hamed before he retired in 2005 with an admirable record of 39 wins, with five losses in 44 professional fights.

He made a considerable fortune during his career but in 2005, he told the City Press that: “I am broke”. The Bungu story is a common tale within the sporting world - stars who fall from the dizzying heights of fame without having made any sound investments while the money was rolling in. Hopefully Tete has learnt from the mistakes of his forerunners and will be able to manage his finances better. Sporting bodies also have a role to play in assisting professional sportsmen with the necessary lessons on financial management and investments. That said, Tete must enjoy his spanking new machine. He is a deserving champion whom we are all proud of.

Hopefully Tete has learnt from the mistakes of his forerunners and will manage his finances better