8 SPORT
INDABA | WEDNESDAY 14 JANUARY 2015
Boxing fraternity in mourning over death of former promotor Yusef Abubar Mtoba NCEBA DLADLA NELSON Mandela Bay boxing has opened 2015 with the shocking news of the untimely passing of former boxing promoter Yusef Abubar Mtoba on Sunday morning. Mtoba was buried in the afternoon of the same day in accordance with the prescripts of his Islamic faith, said regional Boxing South Africa (BSA) Service Provider Mthunzi Mapitiza. Mapitiza was talking to PE Express Indaba Sport about what he thought was not a very bad 2014. “Compared to the previous year, 2014 had only six tournaments while in 2013 we had eight. Those were quality fights, however. They were Eastern Cape provincial title tournaments including one national title fight which we won through Nomampondomise Xotyeni - after a long drought without the national title in the metro,” said Mapitiza proudly.
Explaining, Mapitiza said some of the tournaments were cancelled owing to the governing body BSA’s enforcement of the rules something that has always been there but overlooked. “This is concerning the payment by promoters of purse-monies 14-days before the tournament,” said Mapitiza, adding that promoters were not very prompt with keeping that rule. According to Mapitiza, one of the cancelled tournaments belonged to a new female boxing promoter who wanted to engage certain fighters that were unfortunately already billed in other tournaments at the time. Brighter prospects that emerged in 2014 include EC Junior flyweight champion Mzwabantu Dabaza. The surprise of the year came in the KO defeat of EC Heavyweight champion Unathi Jacobs by Sthembele August, said Mapitiza. He mentioned Louis Phillip and Mzwandile Sidina as trainers to take note of. “Win or lose, you can see that boxers be-
longing to the duo have worked hard in the gym,” said Mapitiza, adding that he still hoped Nelson Mandela Bay could get more quality trainers to take the region back to greater heights.
BSA Service Provider Mthunzi Mapitiza.
PHOTOS:NCEBA DLADLA
Asked about the ring officials Mapitiza retorted, “At this stage I’ve got enough as required by BSA - nine for every tournament. They are doing a good job. I am satisfied with their work of refereeing and judging fights.”
RING OFFICIALS...Standing from left, Stephen Simon, Nkosinathi Zamela, Andiswa Nobaza and Sthembiso Kiti. Seated from left, Phindile Ngingi, Lizo Jordan and Prince Mbambaza.
Bucs hold log leaders to a draw SELBY MADIKANE ROYAL Bucs drew 1-1 with SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay SAB Regional League log leaders Young Ideas in a tough battle at Motherwell NU 9 Stadium on Saturday. Ideas looked dangerous as they took the game to Bucs. In some stages of the game Bucs looked nervous. As such their defender Siyabonga Chikoya Matwa headed an own goal in the halfway mark of the first half. Bucs skipper Akhulile Eto’o Dlilanga and Mcebisi ‘Fire’ Gawulana combined well in
the centre of the park. However, before the start of the second half, Kwanele Mnikina headed home an equalising goal for Bucs to make the final score 1-1. Despite there being lots of positives from both sides, the coaches went home frustrated By not collecting maximum points. Bucs goalkeeper Sibongile “Baron” Tsewana was the man of the match for pulling brilliant saves at point blank range. One of Bucs’ defenders who stood his ground was Thamsanqa Tsewana, with Ideas skipper Asanda Makana, Freedom Funani and Lizo Norushu having a good game. Camper United goalkeeper Mfundo Mo-
yikwa was key in their goalless draw against Lion City. City tried and tried but Camper were well prepared for their game. Camper could not convert their goal scoring opportunity when their striker failed to beat City’s goalkeeper in the referee’s optional time. Other SAFA NMB Bay SAB Regional games results: *Highland Spurs 0-2 Ghetto Stars *Hotspurs 1-4 Fairview Rovers *Ikamva Movers 0-1 Despatch Pioneers *Island City 0-3 Central Acemates *Motherwell Academy 2-3 Callies *Peace United 3-1 Showvillage United
Royal Bucs defender Qetelo Letsie is chased by Young Ideas wing Zukisani Ngalo while Luntu Boloti follows.
SAFA Nedbank Cup Knockout results
Real Strikers upset M’well United SELBY MADIKANE REAL Strikers caused a major upset when they thumped the on-form Motherwell United 4-1 in their MOFA Build It Premier clash at Motherwell NU 9 Stadium on Sunday. United started their game as if they were going to register a goal but Milani Senze scored Strikers’ first goal following a good solo run by Kaizer Quntu down the left side. United silenced their opponents’ noise when United’s wing Lonwabo ‘Myeni’ Nyondo came up with an equaliser. The first half ended with a score of 1-1. In the second half United were searching for a goal to put them in the lead, but Strikers
PHOTO: SELBY MADIKANE
wing Quntu delivered a nifty pass to Simphiwe Mtati who pulled a great goal. Strikers increased their lead to 3-1 when their super substitute Zolani “Zane” Mofu unleashed a long range volley to beat United’s goal. Before the fat lady sang, Strikers were awarded a penalty which was scored by Abongile “Pingpong” Nkohli. Shining Stars whacked the struggling tame Young Tigers 3-1. Other MOFA Build It Premier League results: *Lion Stars 1-4 Valencia *Crystal Palace 1-1 Highland Spurs *SUBS 3-0 Tottenham Spurs *Milan Stars 2-1 Real Aces *Tomorrow Stars 2-0 Manchester FC
Real Strikers defender Seko Makambani is about to clear the ball while Lonwabo Nyondo is chasing him. PHOTO: SELBY MADIKANE
SELBY MADIKANE SAFA Nelson Mandela Bay side Young Ideas could not book themselves a berth in the SAFA Nedbank Cup Knockout Competition when they lost 3-2 to BEE Stars in the quarterfinals at Rotary Stadium in Mthatha recently. The Nelson Mandela Bay side played well despite failing to deliver positive results. According to Ideas Head Coach Bulelani Fina his side showed character and determination as they played as the best of the best teams in the province. In the finals the University of Fort Hare (UFH) lost 1-0 to Cloud 9. Then Cloud 9 had to face Tornado FC that beat Real City 6-1 in the ABC Motsepe Nedbank Cup KO finals. Unfortunately Cloud 9 succumbed 2-0 to Tornado FC in the provincial finals. Tornado FC will represent SAFA Eastern Cape in the national last 32 eliminations at a venue and date that still have to be announced by SAFA Head Office. The other results of Nedbank Cup KO:
Quarter-finals: UFH 4-0 Lady Grey Juventus; United XI
4(4)-5(4) Cloud 9; Valgas 3-2 City Lads. Semi-finals:BEE Stars 1-2 UFH; Cloud 9 3-1 Valgas
Young Ideas striker Zukisani Benni Ngalo was a big threat to BEE Stars. PHOTO: SELBY MADIKANE
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