For too long, Duncan Village trainer Mzamo “Chief” Njekanye’s sterling job of developing young talent flew under the radar, with his budding boxers often poached before they hit the limelight.
Though some point to his robust attitude and unwillingness to compromise in failed partnerships, Njekanye has continued to unearth boxing gems in the shack-littered township while also accommodating seasoned boxers looking to redeem themselves after stuttering careers.
Having sought promotional homes, which saw him briefly working with heavyweight promoters such as Rodney Berman of Golden Gloves, defunct Rumble Africa Promotions and a slew of others, the no-nonsense mentor never really found a dedicated promotional ally until Ground Up Promotions entered the fray with an inaugural tournament at East London’s Orient Theatre at the weekend.
For the first time in his career, six of his boxers were involved in six of the eight bouts, with most making their professional debuts.
Besides seasoned practitioners Nhlanhla Tyirha and Yanga Sigqibo, who both joined him to relaunch their careers after fighting under other mentors, Njekanye unleashed promising stars such as Athabile Ngaliphi, Sihle Booi, Siyagcoba Veshiwe and Avuyile Soga, with Molly Gusha’s appearance scuppered by his opponent being overweight.
In an incredible display of talent, all but one romped to devastating victories, with Soga stopped by Nqaba Dantile in the second round of their mini-flyweight clash.
While all displayed unmistakable talent, it was Booi’s second-round stoppage over Thimna Nteta in a featherweight clash that stole the show.
Booi displayed ruthless power and relentless pressure to outmuscle Nteta before overwhelming him with a barrage of punches to force a referee’s intervention.
While Njekanye showered all his prodigies with praise, he admitted that Booi was destined for stardom and set to follow in the footsteps of his biggest product, Azinga Fuzile, who won the SA title in the division in only his fifth bout.
“I can say Booi is the one to watch and mark my words, he will be the next SA champion,” he said.
Veshiwe also produced a composed performance when he cut Ibanathi Manana down to size to force a second-round win in their lightweight clash, while Ngaliphi received the biggest cheers when he was introduced before his dominant points win over Sivenathi Qwemeshe.
Though Fuzile remains his biggest product, Njekanye has unearthed a slew of other stars, including Lwando Mgabi, who relocated to Cape Town, where he won the SA junior-bantamweight title, which he forfeited on the scale ahead of his second defence in August.
Njekanye’s rundown Duncan Village Boxing Academy, popularly known as the Million Dollar Club, is also home to amateur standout Amila Gongqa, who is already setting tongues wagging for holding his own in sparring sessions against seasoned professional boxers.
With a dedicated promoter in Ground Up behind him, Njekanye is promising to unleash more talent to finally get his dues in boxing training acumen.
Daily Dispatch
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