Three Chris Hani representatives make Eastern Cape boxing squad

THREE Chris Hani District boxers have made it to the Eastern Cape Elite Boxing team that will represent the province at the national championships in Durban next month.

Anele Masiba, Aphelele Nkila and Luyolo Mbobo battled it out in a two-day tournament to come out tops in more than 100 tightly contested bouts in a packed JJ Serfontein school hall.

Chris Hani Amateur Boxing Organisation (Chabo) secretary Mabhuti Mapeyi said the local pugilists had prepared well and shown great determination in their fights.

“It was a great tournament with all the provincial districts present. Our boys did well, they kept to our plans and performed,” he said.

“We are happy three of our boys have made it to the finals. I want to also thank the school staff for their support of our visitors and everything that they have done for the Chris Hani District as the host of the provincial championship.”

Mbobo’s trainer, Bongani Mofu, praised his boxers’ performance throughout the tournament.

Mofu said the victories boded well for boxing, particularly in Whittlesea, which is Mbobo’s home town.

“This is the second boxer from our town to make it to the national championships. We have high hopes and he has shown great hunger to make it to the nationals,” he said.

Mbobo will receive training at the Ekuphumleni Boxing Gym before going to Durban.

“This is his first year as a senior boxer and he has already shown signs that one day he can make it to become a national champion.”

Former Komani boxing champions took the time to congratulate the three boxers.

Retired boxer Sidima Tyhokolo said there were clear signs that boxing was growing in the region following a long drought of hosting big provincial tournaments. Komani last hosted the provincial elite championships in 2010.

“It is important to have such tournaments here and to see our boxers progress. Boxing is a sport that can be used to keep a lot of young boys busy and away from bad influence in our communities,” Tyhokolo said.

“The three who will be progressing to national level have also inspired many young boxers. This will definitely lift the level of boxing in our regions.”

He urged all former boxers to make an effort to grow the sport in the region.