Latest news with #Mthokozisi
The Citizen
12-07-2025
- Sport
- The Citizen
Xundu crowned SANABO Youth National Champion and Best Boxer
Tsakani – Seventeen-year-old Mthokozisi 'Challenge' Xundu was crowned the 2025 SANABO Youth and Elite National Boxing Championships youth gold medalist on July 5. The SANABO Youth and Elite Championships were held at Transnet Engineering Boxing Academy in Pretoria. Mthokozisi started boxing at the age of six, under his father's guidance and mentorship. He mentioned that his first official fight as a boxer happened when he was just 10. 'I love boxing and have won various titles over the years,' he said. He is a three-time Ekurhuleni Regional Champion, a two-time Gauteng Provincial Champion, and now holds the South African National Champion title for the second time. 'I box because I want to find my way out of the township. I want to make my parents proud and live a happy life that is not defined by my circumstances. 'The amount of money that boxers make motivates me to work hard. People think boxing is a dangerous sport, but do not realise the benefits it carries. 'One gets to travel a lot as a boxer, meet new people, experience new things, and explore new possibilities,' explained Mthokozisi. He mentioned how happy he was to have won this new title, saying that this title serves as motivation for him to keep working hard. He said his win is a stepping stone towards greener pastures. 'I am working towards winning a gold medal and the welterweight (67kg) title at the 2028 LA Summer Olympics, which will take place in July 2028. 'That is my ultimate goal in the amateur phase. If things go according to my plan, I will make a good name for myself in the amateur scene before I become a professional boxer,' he added. 'My father trains me every day, and we work tirelessly towards making me a professional boxer. I am grateful for the encouragement I receive from my father. I am also thankful for my family's and teammates' support.' His father, Lwazi Xundu, said Mthokozisi went head-to-head with Sinalo Thwala from the Eastern Cape in the semi-finals and later faced Shane du Plooy in the final rounds with dominant performances. 'Mthokozisi won by abandonment, after the opposing coach threw in the towel, signalling that his opponent could no longer continue. 'He challenged Shane du Plooy in the finals, where he won the bout with a unanimous points decision. 'He was also voted Best Boxer of the Championships, where he secured a certificate as the number one boxer, along with a trophy and a gold medal, sealing his victory in style,' explained his father. Lwazi noted it was not easy to prepare for the championships as most of his boxers were writing mid-year exams. 'As a father and coach, I am proud of my son's achievement. I appeal to parents to support their children in sports, regardless of which codes they choose,' he said. He further thanked their sponsor, Sechaba Morajane, who helps them with equipment at their boxing club. 'The equipment helps me prepare our boxers for participation in big tournaments. I also thank Kwanele Nkabinde, my former boxer, for contributing equipment. 'Without his help, there would not be any national championships in our township,' concluded Lwazi. ALSO CHECK: Phindile Ndlovu (15) puts Tsakani on the map with darts championship spot ALSO CHECK: Kwa-Thema entrepreneur shares how selling the African Reporter became a profitable business At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
TimesLIVE
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- TimesLIVE
‘Everyone needs to be held accountable' — MaBlerh on hosting #RHOD S5 reunion
Mthokozisi 'MaBlerh' Cele says he will leave no stone unturned as host of The Real Housewives of Durban reunion for the third year in a row. Social media has been abuzz after the season 6 finale aired on June 13, where the women were confrontational with each other while on their trip in Mauritius, which ended with Nonku Williams crashing out after reading an anonymous letter. The dramatic season has resulted in Nonku choosing to leave the reality show and not show up for the reunion, and Minnie choosing to have her own reunion on YouTube. Ahead of the two part reunion airing on July 4 and 11, MaBlerh said viewers can expect to see him get to the bottom of unresolved storylines. 'The show has a lot of loyal viewers and I intend to step in and represent all their views. They have burning questions that need answers,' he said. 'Being back for the third time is an honour I don't take lightly. It's a big job that requires sensitivity because the ladies are opening up and sharing their lives with us, so some of the topics are deeply personal." MaBlerh said he's been following X posts and viewer questions and will make sure to bring them up on the show. 'This year I'm making sure no stone is left unturned. Everyone needs to be held accountable for what they've said and done so we can reach real resolution. Accountability is key. This is not only about drama for the sake of entertainment, it's about honesty, clarity and sometimes even healing.' 'I'm there to represent the viewers. I've seen the tweets, I've read the comments and concerns, and trust me everything will be addressed. 'People have been asking the same questions week after week. I hear them. I'm going to ask those same questions in the reunion chair.'
