East London airport is expected to be transformed into a mini ringside today as scores of fans welcome Mdantsane boxing hero Zolani Tete from his successful trip in England.
Tete defeated British challenger Paul Butler by a knockout in the eighth round to retain his IBF world junior bantamweight crown on Friday.
The boxer who celebrated his 27th birthday yesterday is a member of a select few SA fighters who were able to score wins abroad.
Last July he beat Teiru Kinoshita to win the title in Japan and inflict the first defeat on the Japanese.
And at the weekend he also became the first boxer to beat Butler after 17 fighters before him had failed. Incredibly Tete has been able to beat his opponents in their own backyard.
His manager Mla Tengimfene said Tete’s father Zolile would arrive at the airport at 11.30am after taking a connection flight in Doha, Qatar. But head trainer Lehlo Ledwaba will remain in Johannesburg.
Department of sports, recreation, arts and culture (Desrac) MEC Pemmy Majodina, a passionate boxing fan, congratulated Tete on defending his title in such an impressive fashion.
“Odds were against him as he had to contend with a hostile crowd and an overconfident opponent but our faith in Tete was never shaken,” said Majodina.
Former PSL general manager Andile Ncobo, who offered his Johannesburg house for Tete to stay in while preparing for the fight, and arranged for the boxer to get professional aid such as sports psychologists and nutritionists, said, “When good athletes like Tete are given a multifaceted support system such as what he had for this fight, they naturally progress to achieve legendary greatness. I am happy that this philosophy, which I believe in so much, has been proven true.”
Boxing SA Eastern Cape manager Phakamile Jacobs said he was communicating with Desrac regarding the programme for today.
“Naturally we would have proceeded to the city hall but as we know it is being renovated so we will have to find a venue for the formal reception,” he said.
Majodina, Buffalo City Municipal mayor Zukisa Ncitha and other sports dignitaries are expected to form part of the welcoming party.
Royal reception expected for boxing champ
Tete defeated British challenger Paul Butler by a knockout in the eighth round to retain his IBF world junior bantamweight crown on Friday.
The boxer who celebrated his 27th birthday yesterday is a member of a select few SA fighters who were able to score wins abroad.
Last July he beat Teiru Kinoshita to win the title in Japan and inflict the first defeat on the Japanese.
And at the weekend he also became the first boxer to beat Butler after 17 fighters before him had failed. Incredibly Tete has been able to beat his opponents in their own backyard.
His manager Mla Tengimfene said Tete’s father Zolile would arrive at the airport at 11.30am after taking a connection flight in Doha, Qatar. But head trainer Lehlo Ledwaba will remain in Johannesburg.
Department of sports, recreation, arts and culture (Desrac) MEC Pemmy Majodina, a passionate boxing fan, congratulated Tete on defending his title in such an impressive fashion.
“Odds were against him as he had to contend with a hostile crowd and an overconfident opponent but our faith in Tete was never shaken,” said Majodina.
Former PSL general manager Andile Ncobo, who offered his Johannesburg house for Tete to stay in while preparing for the fight, and arranged for the boxer to get professional aid such as sports psychologists and nutritionists, said, “When good athletes like Tete are given a multifaceted support system such as what he had for this fight, they naturally progress to achieve legendary greatness. I am happy that this philosophy, which I believe in so much, has been proven true.”
Boxing SA Eastern Cape manager Phakamile Jacobs said he was communicating with Desrac regarding the programme for today.
“Naturally we would have proceeded to the city hall but as we know it is being renovated so we will have to find a venue for the formal reception,” he said.
Majodina, Buffalo City Municipal mayor Zukisa Ncitha and other sports dignitaries are expected to form part of the welcoming party.
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