A local boxer from Kayamandi recently won her second provincial boxing championship. This is according to Xolisani Thembani, a boxing coach at Kayamandi Boxing Academy (KBA).
Sinalo Khuselo claimed her second provincial championship title at the beginning of May in Mossel Bay, after being selected to represent the district this year, said Thembani.
“The journey hasn’t been easy,” said Thembani, who coaches Khuselo.“There have been moments during sparring sessions when I’ve seen her in tears. What seems to drive her most is the doubt of others; when people don’t believe she can succeed, she pushes even harder.”
After winning her second provincial boxing championship title in May, Sinalo Khuselo (right) from Stellenbosch recently won her second provincial boxing championship. She is now set to compete in the upcoming national championships in June, according to Xolisani Thembani (left), her coach. PHOTO: Supplied/Facebook/Kayamandi Boxing Academy
Two-time provincial champion
Khuselo, who joined the academy last year, has since been training alongside Olwethu Mkhathala, the first professional female boxer from the Cape Winelands district, said Thembani.
Khuselo and Mkhathala train together five days a week, focusing on strength, conditioning, cardio, and boxing techniques, according to Thembani.
Initially, Khuselo could not believe that she had become provincial champion for a second time.
“After my first win, there was an increased pressure to repeat the success from myself and others,” said Khuselo. “The second win brings a sense of validation and confidence, knowing that the first win was not a fluke.”
The Kayamandi Boxing Academy (KBA), where Sinalo Khuselo and other local boxers train, is situated below the Kayamandi Sports Stadium. The academy has given children an option other than soccer or netball, said Nombulelo Ngozolozana, KBA administration officer. PHOTO: Casey-Lee Anthony
When Khuselo was selected to represent the district in her first championship, there were doubts surrounding whether she was ready for that level of competition, according to Thembani.
However, Khuselo’s determination and commitment during training proved that she should participate, said Thembani.
“Remarkably, she not only became the provincial champion [this year], but was also named best female boxer,” he said.
Khuselo is set to compete at the national championships, which is scheduled for the upcoming June school holidays, according to Thembani. He said he is hopeful and confident that Khuselo will emerge as the champion.
“Last year, she earned a bronze medal,” said Thembani. “I truly believe that this year we are positioned to achieve even more.”
Sinalo Khuselo, who recently won her second provincial boxing championship, and Olwethu Mkhathala, a professional boxer, train together five days a week at Kayamandi Boxing Academy, said Xolisani Thembani, Khuselo’s coach. PHOTO: Casey-Lee Anthony
More than a sport
The Kayamandi Boxing Academy has brought a vital and refreshing change to the community by creating space for different kinds of talent, said Nombulelo Ngolozana, KBA administration officer, who added that the academy offers an empowering alternative for children who are not drawn to soccer or netball.
“More than just a sport, boxing here builds confidence, provides purpose, and helps steer young people away from negative influences – ultimately contributing to a stronger, more inclusive Kayamandi,” said Ngolozana.
Kayamandi Boxing Academy (KBA) seeks to help steer young people away from negative influences, ultimately contributing to a stronger, more inclusive Kayamandi, said Nombulelo Ngozolozana, KBA administration officer. PHOTO: Casey-Lee Anthony