Teen boxer vows to punch her way out of poverty
Avela Ntete trains in a shack and dreams of stepping into a real ring for the first time
“It’s rare to see women taking part in this sport but that needs to change,” says a young East London female boxer who believes she can achieve the highest level in the sport, despite training in sparse conditions.
Avela Ntete is softly spoken, but her words have force and she packs a powerful physical punch when facing a boxing opponent.
Her burning desire is to break out of the stereotypical role assigned to women — that they belong in the kitchen. She says nothing will stop her quest to reach her potential and become a top boxer. She believes boxing will open doors for her and boost her out of poverty.
Like thousands of other teenagers in and around Mdantsane, the 15-year-old has dreams of making it big, and for her the boxing industry beckons.
“Gone are the days when men looked on women as inferior. We are taking control of our own destinies. More women need to stand up and be counted,” Ntete told the Dispatch, taking a break from training with other young boxers.
Hailed as South Africa’s boxing hub, Mdantsane, the second largest township in the country and one of the poorest, has produced some of the country’s — and the world’s — greatest boxing champions.
Ntete and others are encouraged by the likes of Simpiwe Vetyeka, Zolani Tete and Vuyani Bungu, all from East London, who have inspired upcoming boxers not to hold back.
The other boxers in the shack where Ntete’s group trains have the same focus and determination, but none of them have her speed.
Her partner is a male and he shows her no mercy when throwing punches.
Ntete’s motto is that without pain there is no gain.
Barefoot in a space in the township shack with no ring constraining the boxers, and neither helmets nor gum shields to protect them, Ntete and her 30-odd friends square up behind their boxing gloves.
She says they will not be deterred by their disadvantages to become professional boxers. And she will not be put off by prejudice towards women boxers.
Where Ntete lives, it is common for men to believe a woman’s most important role is to take care of her home and cook for her family.
One of the trainers, Masixole Langa, a professional boxer, said he does not view women differently, he treats them equally.
“She is tough and takes any challenge,” said Langa.
He opened the boxing gym to keep young people, some as young as 10, off the streets.
For many youngsters in East London “boxing is the only way out of poverty”, said Langa.
Ntete said boxing kept her physically and mentally strong and able to defend herself.
She has yet to fight in a ring.
Her burning desire is to break out of the usual role assigned to women — the kitchen