EAST London airport arrival hall was turned into a mini rally as a crowd wielding placards chanted pro-Zolani Tete songs long before the fighter arrived home yesterday.
Clad in T-shirts emblazoned with Tete’s face and waving placards – some of which read “Daiki Kameda you are next” – the crowd, of mostly Tete’s NU12 Mdantsane supporters, danced jubilantly.
It was a warm welcome for the boxer back from his mission to Mexico, where he stopped fancied local Juan Carlos Sanchez in 10 rounds to win the IBF junior bantamweight title eliminator last weekend.
By winning Tete earns a world title shot against Japanese Daiki Kameda, who ironically lost to Venezuelan Liboris Solis on Tuesday but hung on to his title after Solis failed to make the weight for the clash.
Tete’s fight against Kameda – one of three Kameda brothers who hold a Guinness world record for being the only siblings simultaneously holding world titles – will likely take place next April. Sadly while the crowd danced, sparking even Fort Hare vice-chancellor Dr Mvuyo Tom to dance along as he made his way to the exit, not a single boxing official was present to welcome Tete.
Tete, his manager Mlandeli Thengimfene and trainer Mhikiza Myekeni finally made their way into the foyer wearing Mexican hats.
But the fighter was unfazed by the surprising snub as he hugged and kissed his supporters. “I am glad to be home and I am grateful to you for your support,” Tete said.
The arrival put into sharp contrast the backing of boxing by local government as there was no official welcome from the municipality either – in sharp contrast with the heavy backing for Sanchez’s fights from the government of his country, forcing Tete to travel to Mexico to achieve his extraordinary feat.
Loving fans – but no officials – greet Tete
Clad in T-shirts emblazoned with Tete’s face and waving placards – some of which read “Daiki Kameda you are next” – the crowd, of mostly Tete’s NU12 Mdantsane supporters, danced jubilantly.
It was a warm welcome for the boxer back from his mission to Mexico, where he stopped fancied local Juan Carlos Sanchez in 10 rounds to win the IBF junior bantamweight title eliminator last weekend.
By winning Tete earns a world title shot against Japanese Daiki Kameda, who ironically lost to Venezuelan Liboris Solis on Tuesday but hung on to his title after Solis failed to make the weight for the clash.
Tete’s fight against Kameda – one of three Kameda brothers who hold a Guinness world record for being the only siblings simultaneously holding world titles – will likely take place next April. Sadly while the crowd danced, sparking even Fort Hare vice-chancellor Dr Mvuyo Tom to dance along as he made his way to the exit, not a single boxing official was present to welcome Tete.
Tete, his manager Mlandeli Thengimfene and trainer Mhikiza Myekeni finally made their way into the foyer wearing Mexican hats.
But the fighter was unfazed by the surprising snub as he hugged and kissed his supporters. “I am glad to be home and I am grateful to you for your support,” Tete said.
The arrival put into sharp contrast the backing of boxing by local government as there was no official welcome from the municipality either – in sharp contrast with the heavy backing for Sanchez’s fights from the government of his country, forcing Tete to travel to Mexico to achieve his extraordinary feat.
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