Sandile Vilakazi, the chairperson of the KwaZulu-Natal Boxing Federation, says the newly elected executive of the provincial structure will hit the ground running.
“There is no time to rest on our laurels; we’ve got to move at a fast pace,” he told Sowetan.
Vilakazi was elected alongside Bheki Mngomezulu (deputy), Sihle Kubheka (treasurer), Nhlakanipho Gumede (secretary), Khanyisani Mbokazi (deputy secretary) and Akili Skhosana and Sipho Zondo at the federation’s AGM in Escourt on Saturday.
“Sanabo [the South African National Boxing Organisation] is doing wonders in terms of getting the best out of our amateur boxers, and the evidence is the success we, as KZN, have in terms of producing champions,” he said.
KZN produced its fourth national female champion last week.
Nobengazi “Now You Know” Booth, who held the Mpumalanga and KZN junior middleweight belts, won the national crown after stopping Nomazithini Ndyambo.
The province’s other female national champions are Mapule “Thunder” Ngubane (middleweight), Wendy Gcado (super middleweight) and Numsa “Bozza” Ngema (junior featherweight).
“Surely these girls were motivated by the success of Thabiso Mchunu [cruiserweight], Phikelelani Khumalo [middleweight], Lindelani Sibisi [featherweight],and Nkosingiphile Sibisi [flyweight],” said Vilakazi.
“As the executive of the federation we plan to have annual boxing awards which will motivate every single person who is boxing in the province to do well.
“We also intend to visit gyms in all the districts and try to assist in making sure they are all equipped and push for Boxing SA to conduct the training of ring officials every year.”
Vilakazi added that a cordial relationship with the SABC was a must.
“The country is crying out for boxing to return to television for live broadcasts, and that can only happen if we and the SABC work hand-in-hand.
“Having the SABC assisting us in profiling the sport will also help us as promoters to attract sponsorship because the corporate world wants mileage.”
Vilakazi said getting sponsors will come in handy with the grant promoters get from provincial governments.
“It helps, but the truth is it [the grant] is way too small,” he said. “With sponsors’ involvement, boxers will see improvement in terms of their purse monies.”
Sowetan
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