BOXING MECCA: Women officials blaze a trail

Since Women’s Month just recently ended, Mdantsane Amateur Boxing Organisation (Mdabo) decided to highlight the role women have played and continue to play in boxing.

Their role in the amateur ranks, now known as Open boxing, are particularly highlighted. For quite some time, women have contributed immensely to the development, growth and progress of Mdabo.

They have done so in their capacity as boxers, referees, judges and administrators.  However, Mdabo is yet to produce a prolific woman’s coach.

Mdabo has produced formidable women boxers over the years such as Noni Tenge, Unathi Myekeni, Bomikazi Klass and Nozwelethu Mathontsi.

Some other female boxers, who have come through the ranks, include Thobela Nyanda, Thandokazi Mnyanda, Athenkosi Myira, Xolelwa Soka and Namhla Mankayi – all in the elite ranks.

Mdabo’s future is bright, having invested in the youth, among them, 15-year-old Asiphumeze Nano, who is the 2015 Sanabo champion, 2015 silver medallist and provincial women’s captain.

There have been a number of women who have played a vital role in guiding Mdabo to the organisation it is today.  Even though their names are unknown to most people in the boxing fraternity, they have played a significant role in developing the organisation.

Among them are Nomzamo Mqakamba, Thandeka Stemele and Monica Lahle.

Currently, others who are serving on the executive, Noma-Efese Gwele and Vuyokazi Mhlubulwana bring valuable perspective to the sport and the organisation.

Looking to the future, there are young women who are coming up through the ranks, like Thandokazi Mnyanda and Chuma Matiti – to name but a few.

The majority of officials in the organisation are women, with former professional boxer Namhla Tyuluba who is now a qualified Boxing SA official, having served with Mdabo.

Currently Mdabo have in their midst, three Sanabo qualified officials. They are Luvolwethu Nkomo, Noma-Efese Gwele and Yandisa Roloma. There are also three provincial qualified officials such as Athabile Tempi, Vuyokazi Mhlubulwana and Thandokazi Fekisi.

Mhlubulwana and Fekisi are ensuring a solid platform for Mdabo for the future as they are 19 and 23 years respectively. Judging by their work ethic, they have a bright future in the cut-throat-world of officiating. Mdabo has unwavering support from Ncumisa Tokwe, who has supported the sport of boxing from grassroots level.