WATCH: Hero’s welcome as Tete takes over town
Mdantsane boxing star Zolani “Last Born” Tete and his loyal fans took over the seat of power at Buffalo City Metro’s council chamber in East London for a brief moment yesterday.
Such was the hero’s welcome “Last Born” received following his IBF International bantamweight title seventh round stoppage victory in the UK last weekend – his third in that part of the world in as many outings.
Even BCM’s first citizen – executive mayor Alfred Mtsi, who officially welcomed the champ back home – had to play second fiddle as Tete became the main man with his supporters in the chamber.
In fact, Tete took over East London late in the afternoon as his convoy moved from the airport to the city centre.
Following his heroics in Europe, so confident is the 28-year-old that he dared world champions in his division such as WBA bantamweight king Jamie Mcdonnell to bring it on.
“I fear no boxer, including those who are reigning world champions and I challenge them to bring it on because I believe that I am at that level,” he said to loud applause and ululations.
“I believe I am at my best and credit should go to everyone in my camp and my supporters because I would not be where I am without them.”
Tete was flanked by his number one supporters – his mother Nomonde, father Zolile, chief trainer Loyiso Mtya and manager Mla Tengimfene.
Mtsi praised the boxer for flying the country’s flag high over and over again in a foreign land. “Zolani is the ambassador of Buffalo City Metro in boxing and has done wonders in a very short time by putting this metro on the world map,” said an elated Mtsi.
Mtya described his charge as a special kind of a pugilist never seen before in South Africa. All Tete needed was to keep his feet on the ground and he was a guaranteed world champion, he added.