THROWING PUNCHES
Calls to preserve and build on Mnguni's legacy
The death of boxing icon Mzimasi Mnguni should spark boxing people and government into deciding on how to preserve and build on his legacy.
This was said by Eastern Cape MEC for sports, recreation, arts and culture Fezeka Nkomonye during Mnguni’s drive-by memorial service at his Vincent home this week.
Mnguni, 73, died after a long illness following a stroke in 2014.
Since his death, tributes have been pouring in, with hundreds of people paying their last respects to the influential trainer, manager and promoter.
Nkomonye said Mnguni’s legacy should be preserved by naming either a boxing venue or one of the sport award categories after him.
“There is no doubt that ‘Jola’ left a big legacy in the sport,” she said. “I think the boxing sector and the government can come together and decide how to make sure that his legacy lives on.
“The role he played to develop sport in the province and the country in general is huge.
“We thank his family for lending him to us so that he could make the contribution he did.”
The memorial service attracted boxing stakeholders from Port Elizabeth, with Ndumiso Fina, Sithembiso Kiti and Mzwandile Sidina making the trip.
“Bra Mzi played a crucial role in boxing development in Port Elizabeth so we could not miss an opportunity to bid farewell to him,” Fina said of “Mr Boxing”.
Mnguni once set up a branch of his Eyethu Promotions company in Port Elizabeth to ensure regional boxing did not die.
He turned PE fighters such as Zolani Petelo and Lindi Memani into world champions, with the former causing a major upset when he dethroned long-reigning Thai great Ratanapol Sor Vorapin, also known as Anucha Pothong, in 1997.
“Bra Mzi gave our boxers exposure by taking them to world titles and we’re forever grateful for that,” Kiti said.
Former two-division world champion Zolani Tete, who won his first world title under Mnguni when he captured the WBF flyweight crown, also attributed his success to the iconic trainer and promoter.
Tete’s manager, Mla Tengimfene, said Mnguni taught him to spread his tentacles in order for his boxers to be well-rounded world champions.
“Bra Mzi was not scared to seek international help to make his boxers world-beaters,” he said.
“He roped in the likes of Luther Burgess for Welcome Ncita and Terry ‘Baba’ Stotts for Vuyani Bungu, and to me that proved that to make your boxer the best you must seek help.”
Mnguni will be honoured with a provincial funeral on Saturday at the Gompo Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa. He will be laid to rest on Sunday at Mazotshweni, Alice.