The development tournament hosted by Mabuza Boxing Club in Tsakane brought together graded and ungraded boxers, providing an opportunity for the participants to showcase their skills in the ring.

Under the guidance of coach Sydney Kok, Eden Park boxers Numeri Mutungutungu, Siboniso May,

Khehla Ngoso and Linganiso Akhanya rose to the occasion, giving a good account of themselves in their respective bouts and ensuring the club finished the day on a high note.

“The club has been growing, and the discipline shown by these youngsters in the community is great,” Kok says.

Beyond the victories, he sees boxing and other sporting activities as important ways to encourage positive choices among young people in Eden Park.

“I still urge the youth in Eden Park to take up sport, as a child in sport is a child out of prison, drugs and alcohol abuse,” he says.

National milestone

The club also has another milestone on the horizon, with junior boxer Jaden Beswick preparing for the upcoming Cadet and Junior South African Championships.

The national championships are scheduled to take place in Kimberley from December 6 to 11, giving the young boxer an opportunity to compete at a national level.

Call for facilities

Kok also highlighted the need for improved sporting facilities in the community, calling on the Department of Sport to build an indoor sports centre in Eden Park.

The proposed facility, he says, would be a welcome addition to the community. With five wins in Tsakane, Eden Park’s boxers have given their coach and community reason to be proud, while their performance has added to the club’s growing presence in local boxing development.