Linda Ximba
Ahead of the crucial African Boxing Championships in Mozambique this weekend, South Africa’s golden girl Phiwokuhle Mnguni has received a financial reward.
Mnguni, who made history by becoming the first female boxer to win a medal at the Commonwealth Games in England last month received R5,000 from Mooi Mpofana mayor Maureen Magubane.
Mnguni was a special guest at the professional boxing tournament successfully staged by Hlula Dladla Promotions in Mooi River, in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands.
The mayor said the incentive is a token of appreciation since the 21-year old boxer put South Africa on the global market through her performance in England.
Speaking to Scrolla.Africa afterwards Mnguni said the reward is a morale booster ahead of the tournament set for Maputo from Saturday to 18 September.
“I am honoured and humbled by the mayor’s gesture. I pledge to keep on raising the country’s flag in international tournaments. I have been working hard at training and the entire team is geared up for the championships,” said Mnguni.
The event in Maputo will serve as continental qualifiers for the Olympics set for Paris in France in 2024.
Sixteen countries will compete in Maputo with another world qualifier set for next year.
It is crucial that South Africa take part in the continental tournaments because it missed a huge opportunity last time around. The previous SA National Boxing Organisation failed to send the team to Senegal, claiming lack of funding.
