NKOWANKOWA boxing fans are being treated with top-class boxing in the villages by boys who have been roped into an ambitious boxing programme.
The young boys say the small town of Nkowankowa, which is surrounded by villages, does not usually host boxing.
The boys also believe that boxing is good because it is keeping them off the streets and makes them fit.
The Nkowankowa Boxing Club outside Tzaneen in Limpopo was formed in 2001 by Warrant Officer Jeffrey Ngobeni, who wanted to combat crime by keeping the youth busy.
The club was soon closed down because of a lack of funds. Ngobeni was approached by the Department of Arts and Culture last year to reopen the club.
The club has 18 members - 14 boys and four girls. Their ages range from 16 to 22.
All 18 youngsters are working hard and believe they will become future champions.
One villager, Steve Mathebula, agreed that since Ngobeni started to stage fights in the area it has had a positive effect on the community.
Ngobeni said: "It is also encouraging that boxing fans in Nkowankowa, Dan village, Bridgeway, Sasekani, Lusaka and Mokgolobotho come in big numbers when we stage fights."
But the club does not have a proper training venue.
Ngobeni is confident they will reach boxing heights despite the challenges.
The club currently uses a classroom at Margaret Shiluvana High School for training but they cannot use punching bags in that classroom.
"It would be beneficial if we had a place of our own, but we have to press on for the kids," Ngobeni said.
"These youngsters are going to make our country proud."
The club was working on a five-year plan that would see it taking boxers to represent the country in the 2018 Olympic Games in South Korea.
Boxing treat for villagers
NKOWANKOWA boxing fans are being treated with top-class boxing in the villages by boys who have been roped into an ambitious boxing programme.
The young boys say the small town of Nkowankowa, which is surrounded by villages, does not usually host boxing.
The boys also believe that boxing is good because it is keeping them off the streets and makes them fit.
The Nkowankowa Boxing Club outside Tzaneen in Limpopo was formed in 2001 by Warrant Officer Jeffrey Ngobeni, who wanted to combat crime by keeping the youth busy.
The club was soon closed down because of a lack of funds. Ngobeni was approached by the Department of Arts and Culture last year to reopen the club.
The club has 18 members - 14 boys and four girls. Their ages range from 16 to 22.
All 18 youngsters are working hard and believe they will become future champions.
One villager, Steve Mathebula, agreed that since Ngobeni started to stage fights in the area it has had a positive effect on the community.
Ngobeni said: "It is also encouraging that boxing fans in Nkowankowa, Dan village, Bridgeway, Sasekani, Lusaka and Mokgolobotho come in big numbers when we stage fights."
But the club does not have a proper training venue.
Ngobeni is confident they will reach boxing heights despite the challenges.
The club currently uses a classroom at Margaret Shiluvana High School for training but they cannot use punching bags in that classroom.
"It would be beneficial if we had a place of our own, but we have to press on for the kids," Ngobeni said.
"These youngsters are going to make our country proud."
The club was working on a five-year plan that would see it taking boxers to represent the country in the 2018 Olympic Games in South Korea.
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