Philippi’s Tina Solinzima ducks a left hook from her fellow boxer Ayabulela Ncwane from Khayelitsha. Pictures: Lonwabo Marele
The spirit of opportunity and sportsmanship were celebrated by Future Champs and the Sports Science Institute of South Africa (SSISA) when they held the Open Exhibition amateur boxing event in Newlands on Saturday, October 12.
Sanctioned by the South African Boxing Federation (SABOF), the young boxers represented Grassroots Youth Academy from Khayelitsha, Future Champs in Philippi, Save The Youth in Philippi and Zantsi United in Delft.
Female amateur boxer, Ayabulela Ncwane, from Khayelitsha, won against Tina Solinzima, from Philippi, in the main bout of the afternoon. The last time the two met, at the Site C taxi rank, in August, Solinzima won.
Ayabulela Ncwane, from Grassroots Boxing, slips past a straight right punch from Tina Solinzima, from Future Champs, in the third round of their junior exhibition match sanctioned by SABOF at the Sports Science Institute of South Africa on Saturday. Picture: Lonwabo MareleAmateur boxer Ayabulela Ncwane walks at least an hour before reaching her boxing gym in Khayelitsha. She is a part of the Grassroots Boxing Academy set-up that has produced some of the finest prospects in recent years. Here, she is with professional coach Zola Koti, from Future Champs. Picture: Lonwabo MareleIt was a close call at the end of the fourth round with Ayabulela Ncwane winning on a split decision against Tina Solinzima. The last time they met in August,Tina was victorious. Picture: Lonwabo MareleThe young boxers were also educated on the technology around health science and head injuries in sports by Neuroflex, which uses virtual reality to conduct eye tracking tests of oculomotor, cognitive, vestibular reaction times; an important measure of neurological health. Picture: Lonwabo MareleThe boys showcased grit and skill in the supporting bouts. Some of the boxers were enjoying their debut matches as junior boxers. Emihle Bobani on the attack. Picture: Lonwabo Marele Uyintando Junior Sulelo throws a one-two combination during a supporting bout in Newlands. Picture: Lonwabo MareleHaleluya Boxing Club’s coach Ebenezer Jini was on officiating duties during the open exhitition on Saturday morning, October 12. Picture: Lonwabo MareleOrganisers of the Open Boxing exhibition at the Sports Science Insitute of South Africa, Future Champs. Picture: Lonwabo Marele
