Bra Mzi’s pre-fight diet caused me a little problem, recalls Bungu
Boxing legend Mzimasi Mnguni trained world champions on a pre-fight diet of spaghetti and egg shells.
This was said at his drive-by memorial on Wednesday by one of Mnguni’s world champions, Vuyani Bungu.
“At home my parents knew that I loved mngqusho with ulusu [stamp mielies with beans and tripe],” the man known as “The Beast” fondly recalled.
“But Bra Mzi would give me spaghetti and crushed eggs shells,” Bungu said.
“This caused a little problem at home because I ended up not eating what had been prepared for me at home.”
Mnguni, 73, who died last weekend after a long illness, is to receive a category 2 provincial state funeral, provincial sports MEC Fezeka Nkomonye said at the memorial service, held at the boxing icon’s home in East London.
The politicians were among sports dignitaries and a host of fans who gathered at Mnguni’s home to pay their respects to the trainer of champions.
His death sparked a flood of tributes.
When the Mnguni home filled up, scores of mourners had to stand in the street to observe Covid-19 regulations.
Mnguni produced a number of world and national champions, some of whom were present at his send-off.
Speakers took turns to praise the man dubbed “Mr Boxing”.
Eastern Cape Boxing Promoters Association chair Thando Zonke said in his eulogy: “His numerous nicknames underlined the influence he made on all of us.”
Bungu, who set a SA record for the most world title defences, said his life changed because of Mnguni’s influence.
“He took us from nowhere and turned us into respectable human beings,” he said.
“We bought houses in leafy suburbs and drove flashy cars because of him.”
Nkomonye said Premier Oscar Mabuyane had written to President Cyril Ramaphosa to request a state funeral for Mnguni.
“We are grateful to the president for honouring Mr Mnguni this way,” Nkomonye said.
“Mnguni is leaving a legacy not only in boxing but in sport in general.
“Through his work, plenty of kids were saved from drugs and became better people.
“People may see him as a boxing man but to us he made a sterling contribution to [Eastern Cape] society at large,” added Nkomonye.
Mnguni will have two funeral services, the first being held at the Presbyterian Church of Southern Africa in Gompo on Saturday.
The second will be held in emazotshweni location in Alice, where he was born, on Sunday.