Boxing stars set for Thailand

Two CPUT boxers will be part of the team that will represent the University Sports of South Africa (USSA) at the World University Championships in Thailand later this year.

This comes after Nikho Mtila and Ongeziwe Zwedala won in their weight divisions at the USSA national trials which were held on the Bellville Campus recently.

The duo will be flying the university’s flag high at the championships which will take place from 3 to 8 October.

The championships are part of the sporting events of the International University Sports Federation Games 2016.

Nikho, an Analytical Chemistry student, says she is excited about the overseas trip as she has never been abroad.

“I will try my utmost best to bring a medal home,” she says.

Ongeziwe, an Industrial Engineering student, has been boxing since 2008 and is upbeat about participating in the world championships.

“I am hoping for more fights and a different training routine ahead of the Thailand championships,” he says.

The universities which took part in the recent two-day trials were CPUT, North West University, University of Fort Hare, University of the Western Cape and Walter Sisulu University.

Vuyani Mtshikana, Boxing Manager at CPUT thanked the Western Cape Open Boxing Organisation for providing the trials with boxing officials, the ring and other logistical arrangements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Knockout stars shine at boxing tournament

The CPUT boxing team has proved their worth in the ring, walking away with top prizes at a recent tournament held at the Johnson Ngwevela Hall in Langa.

The students slugged it out with zeal and great skill to bring home three medals.

Some of the day’s highlights included the return of Mandilakhe Qavane, who demonstrated that he is one of the contenders for this year’s championships.

After spending two years without a fight due to the demanding schedule of his studies, Mandilakhe was rewarded with a silver medal for his efforts.

Ongeziwe Zwedala showed his determination to become a champion by knocking his opponent in the opening rounds of their bout to bring home a gold medal.

The tournament was not to be without surprises as an up and coming Tembani Pakade also won a gold medal in his debut tournament.

This achievement sent the fans and members of #CPUTBOXING into hysterics.

Thabo Makhephula, coach of the CPUT Boxing Club, was delighted with the results and acknowledged the unlimited concerted efforts the students put during training sessions in the gym.

The club’s manager, Vuyani Mtshikana who is also a member of the USSA executive, was also there to witness the tremendous commitment showed by the students throughout the tournament

He said he also appreciated some CPUT boxers who did not get opponents during the tournament but stayed until its end, and gave their undying support to those who were fighting.

Following this success CPUT was recognized as a home of boxing as it later hosted a Juniors and Youth Boxing Tournament organized by the South African National Association of Boxing (Sanabo)

The four-day Sanabo tournament, which featured amateur boxers from all over the country, was held on the Bellville Campus and was broadcast on Supersport TV.

Image courtesy of hin255 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net