A new boxing club has been launched in Montclair to keep children off the streets and focused on fitness.
Litha Park resident Mduduzi Mncube, 28, started the club two months ago.
He had previously trained at the Sbu Gym when he spotted the opportunity to open a boxing club of his own. “Kids used to come and watch me train and I thought, ‘Why not let them train too?’ So, I approached the parents and they were keen. I started off with only three kids but now the number has grown to 13,” said he said.
Mr Mncube, who is a professional boxer and has been boxing for about six years, said he admired American boxer Floyd Mayweather because of his dedication and hard work.
He said he believed anyone who wanted to be a champion should start training from a young age. “I recently took the kids to a boxing tournament at GrandWest casino for them to see real boxing and gain some skills there,” said Mr Mncube who is busy training four young boxers to compete in a PFS Championship in September.
Thato Mokhutle 12, a Grade 6 pupil at Mandalay Primary School, told Plainsman she started training with Montclair Boxing club in May because she wanted to learn self-defence techniques. “There is a lot of rape of kids going on. I want to be able to fight back if I encounter danger,” she said.
“I enjoy the training, especially since I do it with my friends. It helps us stay focused and not play on the streets. Boxing is not only just about fighting, it’s about making friends and about self defence,” she said.
Mike Mangoma, who is in Grade 7 at Maitland Primary, and joined the club in May, said he has learned to defend himself.
“I enjoy boxing because it requires me to work hard and be dedicated,” said the 13-year-old.
Okuhle Kutta, 8, a Grade 2 pupil at Hyacinth Primary School, who has been training since the club opened, said he does not feel defenceless anymore.
Eastridge Primary School Grade 3 pupil, Thembi Khumalo, 9, said he loves boxing and that it has taught him self control.
