There was a time when fast-rising boxer Xolisani ''Nomeva" Ndongeni used a school classroom in Eastern Cape as his boxing gym.
The equipment in the makeshift gym was in short supply and he had to make do with the little that he had as he tried to hone his boxing skills, dreaming of a glittering career similar to that of his idol Dingaan Thobela.
Things have changed in quite a spectacular manner since those days, as not only does he now have the run of Colin Nathan's spacious state-of-the-art gym in Johannesburg - he also had to get used to cameras flashing during his training session yesterday.
Ndongeni is preparing to make his debut under promoter Rodney Berman's Golden Gloves Promotion, whom he joined two months ago, and he will take on Mzonke "The Rose of Khayalitsha" Fana in a WBA Pan African championship bout on June 6.
The legendary Thobela was a famous onlooker in the gathered audience yesterday after he was invited by Berman to help motivate Ndongeni ahead of his fight against Fana.
''I now realise that I took the right step by joining Colin and Rodney," said Ndongeni.
''I mean, training in front of journalists is new to me. But I will get used to it. I cannot express how I feel about getting to meet Bra Dingaan, who is my role model. He is a humble person, despite having achieved so much. I am humbled and motivated. I feel pity for Mzonke because I will have to show my gratitude inside the ring."
Thobela - a former WBO and WBA lightweight titlist - said he could see why Ndongeni has been tipped as the next great thing to emerge from SA.
''It makes me feel humble and excited at the same time to know that I inspired Ndongeni, who I believe is special talent," Thobela said.
''I honestly believe that if he is groomed properly, he will emulate me. He will be up against Fana, another boxer who was inspired by me, hence his nickname.
"So, ja, I am excited."
Ndongeni fired up after meeting idol
There was a time when fast-rising boxer Xolisani ''Nomeva" Ndongeni used a school classroom in Eastern Cape as his boxing gym.
The equipment in the makeshift gym was in short supply and he had to make do with the little that he had as he tried to hone his boxing skills, dreaming of a glittering career similar to that of his idol Dingaan Thobela.
Things have changed in quite a spectacular manner since those days, as not only does he now have the run of Colin Nathan's spacious state-of-the-art gym in Johannesburg - he also had to get used to cameras flashing during his training session yesterday.
Ndongeni is preparing to make his debut under promoter Rodney Berman's Golden Gloves Promotion, whom he joined two months ago, and he will take on Mzonke "The Rose of Khayalitsha" Fana in a WBA Pan African championship bout on June 6.
The legendary Thobela was a famous onlooker in the gathered audience yesterday after he was invited by Berman to help motivate Ndongeni ahead of his fight against Fana.
''I now realise that I took the right step by joining Colin and Rodney," said Ndongeni.
''I mean, training in front of journalists is new to me. But I will get used to it. I cannot express how I feel about getting to meet Bra Dingaan, who is my role model. He is a humble person, despite having achieved so much. I am humbled and motivated. I feel pity for Mzonke because I will have to show my gratitude inside the ring."
Thobela - a former WBO and WBA lightweight titlist - said he could see why Ndongeni has been tipped as the next great thing to emerge from SA.
''It makes me feel humble and excited at the same time to know that I inspired Ndongeni, who I believe is special talent," Thobela said.
''I honestly believe that if he is groomed properly, he will emulate me. He will be up against Fana, another boxer who was inspired by me, hence his nickname.
"So, ja, I am excited."