Plenty of boxing talent is expected to be unearthed when the popular Mpucuko Sports Development amateur programme visits Mthatha on Saturday.
The programme by former SA flyweight champion Ncedo Cecane has already developed a plethora of talent since it was launched in 2023 in Mdantsane.
After criss-crossing the province and holding tournaments in all the regions, with the finals held at East London’s Orient Theatre in March, the programme punched off this year at the Sarah Baartman municipality.
This was to reward the region for producing boxer-of-the-series Masibulele Liwani in the finals.
Having already visited the Chris Hani municipality in June, Mthatha will get its day in the sun on Saturday when boxers from all the surrounding regions including Nyandeni and KSD municipalities battle for supremacy at the Paine community hall.
Close to 60 bouts involving 25 male boxers and five women will seek to produce fresh talent to follow in the footsteps of fighters that have emerged from the region.
Despite its rural outlay, the Transkei region is one of the best boxing talent developers, having produced boxers who went on to win world titles and a slew of national belts.
Qumbu-born Mzonke Fana, who went on to win two IBF junior lightweight titles, former IBO world mini-flyweight king Simpiwe Konkco whose roots are in Tsolo, Bangile Nyangani (SA mini-flyweight champion), Sikho Nqothole who won gold at the African Olympic qualifying in Cameroon, Siphamandla Baleni, Nkqubela Gwazela, amateur standout Sinovuyo Mthintelwa and Lusizo Manzana are some of the boxers from the region.
There are also ring officials who have made their mark in the game such as Namhla Tyhaluba, among others, whose officiating skills the Mpucuko programme is also helping to hone.
“This programme is multifold and thanks to our partnership with the corporate sector such as the provincial gambling board we can reach out to communities to educate them about responsible gambling,” Cecane said.
Other partners include the provincial liquor board and cellphone company MTN.
Cecane said social responsibility programmes by the corporate companies would be part of the event.
DispatchLIVE
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