I have been watching closely and with keen interest the ongoing war that Mzi Mnguni has been waging on the so-called white promoters for some time, in particular against Branco Milenkovic and Rodney Berman.

I have been watching closely and with keen interest the ongoing war that Mzi Mnguni has been waging on the so-called white promoters for some time, in particular against Branco Milenkovic and Rodney Berman.

I must say that playing the race card when it suits him is quite disheartening.

He complains that our provincial governments are more willing to support white boxing promoters than their black counterparts. He says transformation is needed in boxing to empower the previously disadvantaged promoters.

In as much as I agree with the need for transformation, black promoters should not sit on their laurels and expect favours from our government. Most black promoters lack professionalism and good business management skills, in which their white counterparts excel.

If I were to focus on Bra Mzi in particular, he still owes the boxing world and the country an explanation as to what happened to millions of rands that were made by his world champions Welcome Ncita and Vuyani Bungu when he was their manager.

Why should the government take a risk by channelling money to a person whose boxers ended up being poor despite earning huge amounts of money during their successful careers?

I know boxers have a responsibility to be wise in handling their finances, but their managers also have a responsibility because that is how they earn their money as well. It is misleading to say the government does not support black promoters. Look at Blackie Soeoe and Mbali Zantsi, who are supported by our provinces in all their tournaments. Maybe Bra Mzi needs to look at himself before blaming our government and his white counterparts. He should learn from the guys instead of criticising them.

Xhanti ka Phalo

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