A TOWNSHIP-BASED boxing club is setting its sights in participating in the upcoming provincial amateur boxing championships which will be held in Port Elizabeth from August 30 to September 2.
Siyazakha Boxing Club was established in 2014, with its main objectives being to introduce sport to the youth of Umasizakhe and also ensure that they are involved in a disciplined sports programme that will prevent them from being involved with crime and substance abuse.
Since its inception, the club has participated in various district and regional boxing events held in Somerset West and Makhanda respectively.
The club has four weight categories namely: cadets, juniors, seniors and elites, comprised of six boxers per category.
Club CEO Khayalethu Nkinqa (38) said, “The club has managed to move from strength to strength despite the challenges that we are currently facing that include major sponsors and infrastructural development as we are currently making means with the little that we have to keep the fire burning.”
Upon visiting the club, Mid Karoo Express could witness the sheer commitment and determination of both young and old boxers in the stable despites the aforementioned challenges as one could see young boxers working with just one punching bag.
Khayalethu further said that currently they only rely on the district municipality for support in the form of transportation.
“We really would love to have more punching bags, speed balls, skipping ropes and other training equipment to make things easier for us” he said.
Local businesses, government departments and community organisations are called upon to support this initiative by donating or sponsoring any of the required items.
For more information about the club, call Khayalethu on 064 206 9009 or e-mail Khayalethu@gmail.com.