Linda Ximba
The three boxers set to represent Team South Africa at the Commonwealth Games will set up camp in England on Thursday.
Amzole Dyeyi and Simnikile Bongco from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal-based Phiwokuhle “Ben 10” Mnguni, the only female boxer, started a mini-camp in Gauteng before jetting off to Europe.
The three gained selection after their impressive performances at recent tournaments.
Dyeyi and Bongco won gold medals at the African Boxing Confederation Zone 4 Elite Boxing Championships in Mozambique in March.
Mnguni performed well at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s World Boxing Championships that were held in Turkey in April.
Trainer Nathi Hlatshwayo, who will be assisted by Moonyen Britz, told Scrolla.Africa they were grateful to the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (Sascoc) for organising the camp in England.
“We would like to thank the South African National Boxing Organisation (Sanabo) and Sascoc for coming up with this initiative. Going to England early will help us acclimatise with weather. So far the mini-camp in Gauteng went ok. These kids are focused and have been pushing hard at training.
“We are looking forward to representing our country with dignity against formidable opponents from countries that are ranked higher than us,” said Hlatshwayo.
Sanabo president Siyabulela Mkwalo also paid tribute to Sascoc for their efforts. He said they won’t put pressure on the boxers to win gold medals because it’s been a while since they last competed at major tournaments.
The Commonwealth Games, to be held in Birmingham, will take place between 28 July and 8 August.
Meanwhile, KZN won the honours at the SA Elite and Youth Games held in Gqeberha recently.
The boxers that did well are in line to make Team SA that will compete at the Zone 5 Games in Lesotho.
