RESIDENTS from around Philippi enjoyed their weekend when boxers from around Cape Town gathered at an event organised by the Western Cape Boxing Federation.
Organiser Jongi Kamko said while they are equipping kids with boxing skills, they are also taking them off the streets so that they don’t get involved in all sorts of bad things.
Organiser and founder of the Save the Youth Boxing Club in Philippi, Zolani Yako, said the event has exposed young people, as well as parents, to boxing.
“With this event, parents and young people get to know more about boxing.
“Those who didn’t know anything about boxing before had an opportunity to see it and will hopefully join the other boys and girls.
“This sport keeps them away from crime and drugs,” he said.
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Kids from the age of six up to senior levels took part in more than 50 bouts.
Siyamthanda Njikelana (15), who won a fight against Sanelisiwe Jebe (16) in the girls’ bout, said boxing has kept her off the streets.
“I train after school and on weekends.
“This win is the reward of that hard work,” she said.
Ward Councillor Bennett Payiya, who addressed boxers, said he was happy that young people had come in numbers but said parents should have attended.
“Parents should be here encouraging their kidsKids should know that their parents are interested in the spor,” he said.
“But here I see just a few parents. Let us all support our children.
Parent Nokuzola Ndwaye (45) said: “If more sports like these were made available, I believe our children will not be sitting on street corners.
“We must come up with more initiatives to keep them busy.”
