Bold prediction: Lerena, Mchunu, Mbenge to get KOs in blockbuster bouts
Kevin Lerena, Thabiso Mchunu and Thulani Mbenge will celebrate Workers' Day with knockout wins in their international boxing matches at Time Square Casino's Sunbet Arena in Pretoria on Thursday evening.
This bold prediction was made by retired KwaZulu-Natal heavyweight champion Alex Mchunu, who remains unheralded as a boxing trainer despite uncovering hidden talent in KwaXimba in Cato Ridge.
Among those he has groomed are his sons, Thabiso and Thabo Mchunu; Ntethelelo Magcaba (KZN and ABU Sadc junior bantamweight); Andile Mntungwa (WBF super middleweight) and Nomvelo Magcaba, who has established herself as a top promoter.
Lerena will put his WBC bridgerweight belt on the line against Ukrainian Serhiy Radchenko, while Mchunu will welcome Congolese Amador Kalonji over eight rounds. Mbenge's dance partner will be Namibian Emmanuel Mungadjela in a welterweight bout scheduled for 10 rounds.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
'I can score goals for Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates'
Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates are both believed to be on the hunt for a new striker ahead of next season. Both Chiefs and Pirates were looking to make a striker signing even last season during this window. But in the end, neither Chiefs or Pirates were able to make that signing. Amakhosi went on to rely on Ranga Chivaviro, Ashley du Preez and Wandile Duba. Then in January a striker finally did arrive in Tashreeq Morris, but to no help. A winger in the sense of Glody Lilepo had the desired impact though, with five goals. Pirates remained with Evidence Makgopa, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Boitumelo Radiopane. Zakhele Lepasa was injured for the bulk of the season and didn't play a game. Now that the transfer market is open again, the Buccaneers and their arch rivals Chiefs have resumed their search. And now a striker from the Botswana top flight has put his and up to sign for either side. 'Whoever is interested will have to just talk to my agent and my club, I play centre-forward, right-winger, and left-winger. I can't talk too much about myself though because I know myself and what I can do. I can make it anywhere in South Africa, even at Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, I can play. But as a football player I prefer to do my talking on the pitch. I can't promise how many goals I can score in the PSL per season, but give me a chance you will see. I'm ready.' Said Congolese striker Jean Lwamba to Lwamba was the top goal score and was named player of the season in the Botswana League. This after scoring 15 goals. Should Chiefs or Pirates take a chance on him?


The South African
2 hours ago
- The South African
Kaizer Chiefs' R53 millions striker dream might crumble
Kaizer Chiefs' hopes of landing Congolese striker Fiston Mayele have hit a major snag, with financial constraints and stiff competition from Egyptian giants threatening to derail the deal. Coach Nasreddine Nabi personally scouted the lethal forward during his recent mission to Egypt, but sources close to the negotiations reveal that money may prove to be the decisive factor. Chiefs remain in the running for Mayele, but only if the striker chooses sentiment over salary. 'The only way Mayele can join Kaizer Chiefs is if the player himself wants to reunite with coach Nasreddine Nabi. It won't be because of money,' a source confirmed. 'Pyramids FC are offering him enough money to stay at the club or sell him to a club that can offer more money than Kaizer Chiefs.' Reports suggest Pyramids FC tabled a new two-year deal worth around R53 million, well beyond the R36 million Chiefs could muster even with their maximum wage package. Chiefs reportedly offered a R5 million signing-on fee, spread over three seasons, and a monthly salary of R1 million to R1.5 million. But this package pales in comparison to what Egyptian sides are willing to put on the table. Even if Mayele favoured a move to Naturena, Chiefs face an uphill battle. Pyramids FC aren't the only club circling the striker. Multiple Egyptian teams are reportedly interested, driving up both the player's value and expectations. Chiefs, limited by local market economics and budget restrictions, find themselves priced out of the race unless Mayele decides to sacrifice millions for the chance to reunite with Nabi and play in the Betway Premiership. Will Kaizer Chiefs find a way to get Mayele? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.


The South African
a day ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates new head coach news: Florent Ibenge the one?
Orlando Pirates are on the brink of unveiling a new head coach following the sudden departure of José Riveiro to Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The club has kept its cards close to its chest, refusing to confirm or deny ongoing speculation, but behind the scenes, the coaching search has intensified. A source has revealed that agents have offered highly-rated Congolese coach Florent Ibenge to Orlando Pirates. While interest around the former CAF Confederation Cup winner is heating up, no formal approach has been made by the Buccaneers yet. As of yesterday, Ibenge remains under contract with Sudanese powerhouse Al Hilal but has not signed any extension, leaving the door wide open for a potential move. Ibenge poured cold water on swirling rumours but did little to close the door. 'Look, Micky… everything is still rumours for now,' Florent told Micky Jnr, African social media journalist. Pressed further about his future with Al Hilal, he added. 'You'll know in (a) few days' time.' The urgency within the club is mounting, as Pirates prepare for a European pre-season tour. The squad is scheduled to jet off to Germany in the first week of July. And the technical team is keen to have a new head coach installed before then. 'The team is expected to leave for pre-season in Germany during the first week of July. So they are planning to have the new coach by that time as part of their pre-season,' revealed a club insider. With time ticking and speculation swirling, all eyes are now on Orlando Pirates. Will they swoop in for Ibenge, or does the Bucs' management have a different ace up their sleeve? Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X, and Bluesky for the latest news.