Former SA flyweight champion Ncedo Cecane has hailed the initiative launched by his Mpucuko Boxing Club to host amateur tournaments across the Eastern Cape as a catalyst to unearthing the next generation of champions.
Cecane, who opened the club after a spell at world champion-producing Eyethu, where he rose to become the SA champion before venturing into training boxers, decided to rope in the corporate sector to partner him in a drive to host tournaments around the province.
The first event was launched last month amid fanfare at Mdantsane taxi rank where aspirant boxers of both genders battled for supremacy.
Combined with awareness programmes by various companies, including EC Liquor Board, SA Responsible Gambling Foundation and their provincial wing, MTN and several government departments, the event drew a big crowd which feasted on the action in the ring while also getting empowerment and awareness tips from the corporate world.
The event moved to Makana last weekend where boxers from the region enjoyed an activity which is often lacking unless they migrate to other areas.
Mpucuko partnered with local boxing club Mfuzo to stage over 30 bouts featuring boys and girls.
Cecane said the programme would move to other regions, with Mthatha targeted as the host on June 3.
“Our objective is to ensure that no talent is left behind, hence we decided to stage tournaments in their backyard,” he said.
“We are grateful to our partners from the government and the corporate world for their programmes, which have been warmly embraced by the communities we visited.
“We cannot wait to go to other areas and to continue the development while also educating communities.”
After all the regions have been visited, winners will then face off in a boxing extravaganza whose date and location are yet to be revealed.
Cecane explained that partnering with the corporate world was aimed at empowering communities with social ills that children often encounter.
“Challenges such as gambling, substance abuse and drinking are confronting our communities on a daily basis and we are targeting children, who are also boxers, to stay away from them.”
Some research by the Dispatch has revealed that one in five professional boxers indulges in substance abuse, with no hope in sight as authorities seem to be turning a blind eye.
Cecane, whose club also accommodates professional boxers, said he knew plenty of boxers who had been affected by drug abuse.
“It is quite sad, to be honest. And there are some even in my club.
“This is a problem that is confronting every boxing club in Mdantsane, hence we decided to embark on these awareness programmes.”
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