Elmon Tshikhudo
The cheering and the music of the Mbila kept the bare knuckle fighters in high spirits at the Musangwe session at Makonde outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo.
For two years, the traditional fist fighters who fought during school holidays and other holidays have been inactive due to Covid.
The sport that is loved by the Vhavenda people originated as a pastime for boys and men to kill time while herding livestock in the bushes.
On Saturday, boys, men and elders from surrounding villages came together to witness their beloved sport at the Jim Masindi Sports Field in Makonde.
Local traditional leader Khotsimunene Nnyadzeni Ravhura and other stakeholders are behind the weekly tournament which will hold the final fights on Youth Day on 16 June.
“The sport was not spared by Covid. As a community we missed such gatherings and as soon as the government allowed us to meet we went back to our roots,” Ravhura said.
He said they are preparing for a big final that would be the basis of youth activities in the village.
The men and young boys randomly pick each other for fights. They are also giving them incentives to encourage them to come again.
“We are following in the footsteps of our forefathers promoting social cohesion through sport,” said Ravhura.
He said this will continue every Saturday until the main event and losing fighters will be eliminated from the tournament.
All the winners in the finals will win big prizes. He called on interested parties including fighters to contact Wilson Mudogwa on 079 744 0618 or Simon Mashavha on 079 941 8541.
