Future Champs celebrated Women’s Day with a boxing tournament at the Site C taxi rank in Khayelitsha on Friday, August 9.
Coach and organiser, Zola Koti said the goal was to raise awareness about boxing, especially among and women and girls.
“We decided since it’s Women’s Day, to take the tournament to the taxi rank so that someone coming from work can see and perhaps support or tell their kids to join. We are building confidence, in particular for young girls and women,” said Koti.
Long serving boxing member from Harare, Libamen Jakuja said his boxers come from humble beginnings but use the sport as a tool to showcase their talents at Imizamo Yethu boxing club.
“Today is a beautiful day. We are given an opportunity to celebrate our women on Women’s Day. I am more proud of our young female boxers especially after the hard work they put in at the gym. Today we do not go home empty handed. They brought back trophies to Harare,” he said.
Jakuja said Imizamo Yethu boxing club has been around since February 2004.
“It has produced boxers, scholars and business owners over the years. We come from very humble beginnings but their families want them to be here. So we are grateful and look forward to any type support,” said Jakuja.
Female amateur boxer, Ayabulela Ncwane, 16, was in jovial spirit after her match on Friday.
“Today was a good day. I lost but I did not expect a win or a loss but wanted to learn. I grateful to God and my team at Imizamo Yethu,” she said.
Coach Koti said they received positive feedback from taxi owners and commuters on the day. They plan to bring the amateur tournament back to the Site C taxi rank on Heritage Day, Tuesday September 24.
