Wed May 22 12:59:15 SAST 2013
Wed May 22 12:59:16 SAST 2013

Malinga stripped of Zulu garb

May 31, 2012 | Ramatsiyi Moholoa | 71 comments

SOUTH African boxer Vusi Malinga is an angry man after American customs officials stripped him of his traditional Zulu hat, fighting gown and bracelet, which is known as isiphandla.

ANGRY MAN: Vusi Malinga

 Isiphandla was taken away from me! 

Isiphandla is a bracelet made out of goat skin and is deemed to have protective qualities.

The gown, hat and isiphandla were all confiscated soon after Malinga and his entourage landed at the airport in Los Angeles ahead of Saturday's fight against Mexican Leo Santa Cruz.

This is the biggest fight for the Ekurhuleni-based Malinga, who is hoping to win his first world title in the fight for the vacant IBF bantamweight belt against Cruz, who is unbeaten in 19 fights.

Malinga, who is of Zulu royal blood, is accompanied by his trainer and father Jabu and two brothers - Patrick, a former South African lightweight champion and Peter, a former IBO and WBU welterweight champion.

The promising fighter was detained for four hours at the Los Angeles customs office when officials instructed him to leave his Zulu traditional regalia behind or return to Johannesburg.

"I'm hurt after my fighting gear and isiphandla were taken away from me, but I will show them I'm the best boxer by winning the title on Saturday," Malinga said.

Promoter Branco Milenkovic said that "for Vusi to be forced to fight without his traditional gear may affect him".

Comments

Wed May 22 12:59:16 SAST 2013 ::
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May 31, 2012

MGEEZ

Ag men; when in rome it is expected to do as romans do. No big deal here!!!
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May 31, 2012

MorenaWaPolelo

So what if you dont like it return home Sir
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May 31, 2012

Sugaar

he were suppose to wear isiphandla on the pen*s.
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May 31, 2012

Tgee

Sugaar
he were suppose to wear isiphandla on the pen*s
****
kwakwaaaa you are so insane idiot

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May 31, 2012

TupacAmaru

I dont see much of a problem because the real fight should be in the ring...not at the airpot.

I'ts funny though they didnt allow him to wear his Zulu outfit cos just a few years ago in 1961, Chief Luthuli received a Nobel Peace Prize wearing isiphandla and ibheshu. Ngapha ephethe esandleni ngisho nomkhonto. I don't know.
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May 31, 2012

Voetzek

These americans are Mampara, why they dont strip Igwee from nigeria his big gown customs , Nxaaaaa
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May 31, 2012

raludzingana

uya penga, come back home.
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May 31, 2012

hulas

zuluboy you should have just called off the fight and make a you turn to joburg.To show the world that you are devoted zuluboy.
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May 31, 2012

DJWinner

These uncultured things undermining our culture. We don't tell these people to remove their nose rings and those stupid big chains when they come here. Americans have always been looking down at us and our culture.
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May 31, 2012

tpaz

this is not King Shaka Airport.....
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