USSA Boxing Champions to Compete in Turkey

AFTER excelling at the recent University Sports South Africa (USSA) Boxing Championships, the five champions from the University of Zululand (UNIZULU) Boxing Club plan on taking no prisoners when they go head-to-head with their international counterparts in Turkey in September 2022.

The national championships were held in April and May in Secunda, Mpumalanga. Boxers Nontando Mthombeni, Wandile “S’tswebhu” Mthethwa, Celimpilo “Rascal” Bukhosini and Bongumenzi  Mshaye umfana umbuze unina” Mkhize stole the show with their tactics and strength, bringing home four gold medals. This automatically secured their spots in the 2022 FISU University World Cup Combat Sports taking place in Turkey. Noluthando “Bhodlela leSavanna” Makhubu’s performance earned her a silver medal. She was selected by the National Department of Sports and Recreation to also participate in the international championships, owing to her great potential. When competing for the international titles, the UNIZULU champions, along with gold medallists from the other participating universities, will form team SA.

UNIZULU Dean of Students, Dr Teboho Ncokazi saluted the five students for their commendable performance and display of determination during the USSA tournament. He said their representation on the international stage would contribute immensely to raising the profile of the institution. He also urged the students to strive for excellence when in Turkey.

Mthethwa, a public relations student, said team UNIZULU is resolute about coming back with more wins in the upcoming tournament. “We have an amazing coach, who makes sure that we train hard. Before we leave for Turkey, we will attend a bootcamp where we will be sparring as team SA,” she added.

Education student Bukhosini said that morale support would be another way in which the team members would ensure their individual victories. “When you are in the ring and feel like giving up the fight, something as simple as hearing your team members cheering you on with a song really boosts your confidence,” he said.

The international championships are scheduled to take place.

– Naledi Hlefane

Caption

UNIZULU has high hopes for the five members of the UNIZULU Boxing Club who will be battling it out in Turkey later in the year at the 2022 FISU University World Cup Combat Sports.