These boots were made for boxing
Royal St Andrews Hotel hands over donation
Royal St Andrews Hotel has helped put an extra punch into a local boxing development programme by donating boxing boots to Nemato’s Masibambisane Boxing Academy.
Royal St Andrews Hotel owner Justin Bekker accompanied by banqueting manager, Phumlani Mazana, handed over the equipment to Masambisane founder Monwabisi Hans recently.
Hans, in an effort to keep youngsters off the streets runs his boxing gym from a backyard shack in Nemato.
“As a boxing manager, I am grateful for these boots and for the gesture. My boys, most times, have to box at tournaments in ‘tekkies’, which is not ideal and not according to the rules.
“I am so thankful to Mr Bekker and the hotel because sometimes when you knock on doors, asking for help, there is no answer, especially due to the economic climate.”
Hans said his boxers were excited to have received the sponsored boots and the gesture had served as a great motivation for upcoming tournaments.
“I have told them to wear these boots with pride and to know where this equipment is coming from and where they originated when they fight at boxing tournaments.
“They must return the compliment by staying positive and going out to compete and to win titles where they possibly can so they can acknowledge the people who are assisting us.
“Royal St Andrews Hotel is a huge player in the hospitality industry and it is important for my young boxers to be role good models and example to others because that is what the hotel would expect from us and that is what I have told them,” he said.
Hans said most of his boxers were from poor communities and he was passionate about using the sport of boxing to keep children away from social ills that were prevalent in society.
“Drugs are a huge problem and it is important for young people to find something [constructive] to do.
“It’s not just about the boots,” Hans said, admitting he can be a hard taskmaster with his young boxers. “They are going to have to make sure that they keep the boots clean by washing them regularly.”
Hans said 27 of his young boxers would be participating in a junior tournament in Makhanda on October 28.
“It is a battle to keep the club going due to the costs but I will dig into my own pocket to cover some of the transport fees.”
Drugs are a huge problem and it is important for young people to find something [constructive] to do