s n o i t a l u t a r Cong
Azinga Young man beats the odds
FROM HUMBLE BEGINNINGS: Boxing trainer “Chief” Mzamo Njekanye centre, with SA champion Azinga Fuzile at the Duncan Village Boxing Academy. The junior club members are pleased to have the new SA featherweight title holder on hand to offer advice. Picture and story by Derek Hindman
A
zinga Fuzile’s shock win in October over Macbute Sinyabi has caught the attention of People of Amathole. Against all odds his win was comprehensive. Some boxing pundits say the vastly experienced Sinyabi might only have won two of the 12 rounds. Not too many fight fans believed the new professional boxer on the “block” could handle Sinyabi. This achievement makes Azinga the first On Point with Amathole People Sports Star. Azinga who is just 20 years old is now the new SA featherweight boxing champion, this after just five professional fights. Fight fans can look forward to seeing Azinga back in action on Friday 9 December when he will fight for the WBC World Junior Title in East London.
Azinga was born in Duncan Village. He started boxing at age 10 at the DV Boxing Academy under trainer “Chief” Mzamo Njekanye said. “This fighter has always been with me. He has just beaten a well-recognised fighter in Macbute. Our next steps will be towards winning a world title,” Azinga’s mentor said. As an amateur fighter Azinga won both the SA and Eastern Cape amateur titles. At the All African Games, in 2004 he was the only South African boxer to claim an All African boxing title and gold medal. The young boxer who is in Grade 11 has set himself the goal of passing matric next year. Azinga attributed his success to hard work in the gym and the believe that his trainer and fellow club members have shown in him.
CLUB CHAMPION: Entertainers Rugby Club player Mihlali Mampangashe was recognised as Player of The Season at the club’s awards ceremony recently. Mihlali received his award from Mr Sandi (Department of Sport Recreation Arts & Culture) .and Mr Zxesha who is a former Border Rugby Union and Keiskammahoek Rugby Sub Union President. Mihlali who plays fly half was the club’s highest points scorer for the season with 72 points in all competitions. A badly fractured collar bone injury kept him off the field but he bounced back strongly as the season ended. Entertainers Rugby Club competes in the Sunday League under Keiskammahoek Rugby Sub Union. The club finished the season in 4th position in the league. Picture supplied.
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ON POINT WITH AMATHOLE PEOPLE