Vhembe boxers suffer defeats at tournament
Two Vhembe boxers, Rider Muleba and Humbulani Netshamutshedzi, suffered losses in international bouts.
Muleba lost on points to Zimbabwe's Chiedza Homakona; Netshamutshedzi was defeated by TKO against Botswana's Mmusi Tswiige.
Despite setbacks, organisers praised the talent shown and reaffirmed their commitment to developing rural boxing in the region.
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LIMPOPO – It was a night to forget for local boxing fans as two of Vhembe's own fighters suffered disappointing defeats during the Mama Rocks Boxing Tournament held at Khoroni Hotel last Friday night.
Rider Muleba, a female lightweight boxer from Tshidzini, was outclassed by her Zimbabwe-based opponent Chiedza Homakona, losing on points in their international lightweight bout. Muleba appeared unprepared and lacked energy from the outset, allowing Homakona to dominate the ring with relentless combinations and pressure.
In the international middleweight division, Humbulani Netshamutshedzi, another local fighter, lost by technical knockout (TKO) to Mmusi Tswiige from Botswana. The defeat sparked concerns over Netshamutshedzi's boxing future, as this adds another loss to his record.
Despite the setback, Netshamutshedzi remains optimistic: 'I haven't lost hope. I'll sit down with my team and make a decision from there. I still believe I have a bright future in boxing. My dreams aren't over.'
Meanwhile, Tswiige expressed gratitude to his trainer and spoke of the positive role boxing plays in youth development. 'I'm proud of this win, and I believe I'm ready to take my career to the next level. Boxing keeps us away from bad habits like drugs and alcohol. It demands discipline and time in the gym.'
The tournament was attended by Thovhele Vho-Gole Mphaphuli, who encouraged the young boxers to train hard and stay focused if they want to succeed in the sport. He also praised the tournament's promoter, MR Phathutshedzo Dongola, for his commitment to developing local talent.
Dongola, who chairs the promoting body behind the event, said his goal is to uplift youth in rural communities.
'I saw great talent across the Vhembe region and decided to create a platform to support and develop boxers.
Our goal is to keep young people off the streets and away from alcohol and substance abuse.'
Other fight results:
• Akani Sambo defeated Sabelo Cebekhulu.
• Nosiacaswa Dube overpowered Loveness Kokha.
• Jabulani Makhense won by TKO against Charles Misanjo.
• Cedrick Chauke beat Tebogo Rennie.
• Tumelo Mphahlele defeated Bofiang Kenaope.
• Talent Baloyi won against Bernard Mwango.
• Maanda Thaba triumphed over Stanford Mphahlele.
• Sizolwethu Sibiya won by TKO against Thuso Nemutanzhele.
• Adivhaho Nemutanzhele outclassed Silindile Mathebula.
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