Traffic came to a standstill in East London as throngs of people welcomed world boxing champion Zolani Tete back from his successful trip to the UK yesterday.
Tete retained his IBF world junior-bantamweight crown by knocking out previously unbeaten British star Paul Butler in eight rounds at Echo Arena in Liverpool on Friday.
Shortly before Tete touched down at the East London Airport, the reception area was already reverberating with song led by the current SA lightweight champion Xolisani Ndongeni while Nomonde, the boxer’s wheelchair bound mother shed a few tears.
Finally Tete made his way to the exit together with his father/trainer Zolile and manager Mlandeli Tengimfene amid ululation and cheers.
After taking pictures with the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Pemmy Majodina, the procession headed to Miriam Makeba Hall in East London with throngs of people along the roadside whistling and cheering while sirens from the traffic police cut though the thick atmosphere.
On arrival at the hall several speakers took turns to congratulate Tete with Majodina again promising that her government would be willing to support the boxer’s next fight and even suggested that it would be fitting if it were to be held on June 16 at Fort Hare University in Alice.
“This would coincide nicely with the celebration of Fort Hare University as it celebrates its centenary,” she said.
Buffalo City Metro deputy mayor Temba Titi said he was in negotiations with the department to present Tete with a prosthetic leg for her mother.
Tete had revealed that he would buy his diabetic mother a prosthetic leg with his fight winnings.
The jovial atmosphere was spoiled by Tengimfene who had a go at this reporter for the Dispatch story which exposed Tete sharing a tiny room with his three sparring partners while preparing for the fight in Johannesburg.
However, Majodina and Eastern Cape Promoters Association (ECPA) chairman Ayanda Matiti cam to the Dispatch defence with Matiti arguing that the moment should be about celebrating Tete’s victory.
Majodina argued that had it not been for the media, Tete would not have been organised a better place when she asked former soccer referee Ace Ncobo to avail his house in Johannesburg.
“If anything the Dispatch had a good story about our reaction on the following day so we must regard the media as our friends,” she said to loud applause.
Majodina then presented Tete with a cake for his belated birthday which he celebrated on Sunday.
Tete recalled how he was dismissed in England during a press conference before the fight.
“One of Butler’s handlers asked why should I not just hand over the title and spare me the embarrassment,” he said.
“I could even see that my manager was shaken but I calmed him down and told him not to worry.”
Tete admitted that fighting in a foreign venue was the biggest challenge but added that he was used to the situation with its subtle shenanigans.
“ You get subjected to all sorts of sinister moves. For instance I was awoken at 12 midnight in England by their commission wanting to check my weight.”
VIDEO: Hero's welcome for Tete
Tete retained his IBF world junior-bantamweight crown by knocking out previously unbeaten British star Paul Butler in eight rounds at Echo Arena in Liverpool on Friday.
Shortly before Tete touched down at the East London Airport, the reception area was already reverberating with song led by the current SA lightweight champion Xolisani Ndongeni while Nomonde, the boxer’s wheelchair bound mother shed a few tears.
Finally Tete made his way to the exit together with his father/trainer Zolile and manager Mlandeli Tengimfene amid ululation and cheers.
After taking pictures with the department of sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC Pemmy Majodina, the procession headed to Miriam Makeba Hall in East London with throngs of people along the roadside whistling and cheering while sirens from the traffic police cut though the thick atmosphere.
On arrival at the hall several speakers took turns to congratulate Tete with Majodina again promising that her government would be willing to support the boxer’s next fight and even suggested that it would be fitting if it were to be held on June 16 at Fort Hare University in Alice.
“This would coincide nicely with the celebration of Fort Hare University as it celebrates its centenary,” she said.
Buffalo City Metro deputy mayor Temba Titi said he was in negotiations with the department to present Tete with a prosthetic leg for her mother.
Tete had revealed that he would buy his diabetic mother a prosthetic leg with his fight winnings.
The jovial atmosphere was spoiled by Tengimfene who had a go at this reporter for the Dispatch story which exposed Tete sharing a tiny room with his three sparring partners while preparing for the fight in Johannesburg.
However, Majodina and Eastern Cape Promoters Association (ECPA) chairman Ayanda Matiti cam to the Dispatch defence with Matiti arguing that the moment should be about celebrating Tete’s victory.
Majodina argued that had it not been for the media, Tete would not have been organised a better place when she asked former soccer referee Ace Ncobo to avail his house in Johannesburg.
“If anything the Dispatch had a good story about our reaction on the following day so we must regard the media as our friends,” she said to loud applause.
Majodina then presented Tete with a cake for his belated birthday which he celebrated on Sunday.
Tete recalled how he was dismissed in England during a press conference before the fight.
“One of Butler’s handlers asked why should I not just hand over the title and spare me the embarrassment,” he said.
“I could even see that my manager was shaken but I calmed him down and told him not to worry.”
Tete admitted that fighting in a foreign venue was the biggest challenge but added that he was used to the situation with its subtle shenanigans.
“ You get subjected to all sorts of sinister moves. For instance I was awoken at 12 midnight in England by their commission wanting to check my weight.”
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