New role revives Thobela

Ex-boxer helps to drive sport forward

Dingaan “The Rose of Soweto” Thobela has awoken. The former WBO and WBA lightweight and WBC super middleweight champion has accepted his election by the boxing fraternity and Boxing SA to serve on the interim National Promoters Association committee.

The popular former boxer is part of the structure that was elected during a two-day workshop last week.

BSA chief executive Tsholofelo Lejaka said the structure will assist in bringing change, stability and prominence to local boxing.

The structure should comprise nine representatives, one from each province. Confirmed members are convener Ayanda Matiti from Eastern Cape, Thobela (Gauteng), Lebo Mahoko (Free State), Phathutshedzo Dongola (Limpopo), Zandile Malinga (KwaZulu-Natal), Russell Bindeman (North Cape) and Alex Moshodi (North West). Mpumalanga and Western Cape are yet to suggest names.

Thobela said: “I am delighted to be part of this committee. Actually, this makes me feel relevant because I have not been part of any structure.

“This opportunity will enable me to impart my knowledge about the sport while sharing ideas with my colleagues.

“Hopefully when the time comes for the formation of the actual National Promoters Association, we would have done something positive, which will be assisting those that will be in the national structure.”

Thobela has also been elected as treasurer of the newly appointed Gauteng Promoters Association.

Veteran promoter Obed Molekwa is chairman while Andre Thysse is deputy chairman. Shereen Hunter is general secretary and Sandile Xaka is her deputy. Two additional members are Pat Molefe and Sonja Fernades.