Bongani Magasela

Bongani Magasela

Boxing SA board member Mxolisi Tsika has vehemently denied rumours that he almost traded blows with BSA chairman Peter Ngatane after their meeting with the sport portfolio committee in Cape Town last week.

Boxing SA had been hauled before Parliament's sports portfolio committee on Tuesday to explain the circumstances surrounding the death of Mdantsane fighter Samora Msophi.

A source said the issue of Tsika's controversial appointment to the board was not on the agenda but portfolio committee chairman Butana Komphela raised it earlier on, though not much attention was given to it.

Tsika's appointment by Sports Minister Makhenkesi Stofile raised eyebrows because he has a dark cloud hovering over him. The former Buffalo City municipal manager was fired recently following allegations of sexual harassment and corruption.

It is understood that Ngatane and Tsika got into a heated argument when Ngatane reminded the meeting about the issue of Tsika's appointment.

Tsika said: "In my view Ngatane should have referred the portfolio committee to the minister. But there is no bad blood between me and Ngatane."

Ngatane responded: "We could have had a difference of opinions but what happens within the board is immaterial for as long as we are a unit."

Ngatane and his colleagues submitted a report into Msophi's death. Apparently it absolved referee Allan Matakane, who came under fire for taking too long to stop the fight as Msophi took a pounding from Mfundo Gwayana.

Ngatane allegedly blamed Msophi's death on the delay at Frere Hospital, which later transferred the injured fighter to Cecilia Makiwane.