Grassroots boxing tournament a success in Site C

Raising future champs through boxing. A couple of youngsters from different locations across Cape Town were a part of the junior boxing tournament hosted in Khayelitsha, Site C, this past weekend. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.

A junior boxing tournament was a success in Khayelitsha despite it being postponed a fortnight ago due to overcast and rainy conditions.

The open junior tournament saw a number of young and talented boxers from across the city participating in the tournament, held near the BP Garage, in Site C, on Saturday.

Organised by veteran boxer and coach, Zola Koti, the tournament is said to be one of many to follow in the near future.

“We are trying to bring the integrity of boxing back to the townships,” Koti said a fortnight ago.

The Box Boxing Club trainer, Jongi Kamko, brought a number of talented boxers from Makhaza. He said, as usual, the aim is to give back to the community, by showcasing some young and talented fighters.

Kamko said the tournament was sponsored by local taxi associations to grow grassroots boxing in the city.

“The tournament was a great success. We witnessed over 30 bouts from the girls and boys.

“We understand the children come from different backgrounds. We use the gym and boxing like church, it is therapeutic for us as coaches and especially for the children. They get support emotionally and end up doing well at school and in the community,” he said.

Next week Monday, November 1, during election day, The Box, will host a boxing club in Hlala Street, in Makhaza.

For more information, call Jongi Kamko, on 074 436 9899.