It was knockout week for the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Boxing Club who won six medals at the University Sports South Africa (USSA) Boxing Tournament game, which recently took place at the Eagle Nest in Secunda.

The team is ecstatic to have three of the boxers, Nickey Mbengo, Scelo Mkhwanazi and Siza Ngiba selected to play for the national team in Turkey, flying the DUT flag high.

Commenting on their DUT boxers’ achievements, DUT boxing coach, Zwelinkosi Magudulela said: “I feel so proud of my team, especially as it was my first time to have the ladies in the team and they did very well.  The whole team did so good, hopefully next time we will be number one. The performance was on such a high level with the team exuding being so fit, consistent and united, especially those who competed for the first time in the ring.”

One of the selected boxers, Mbengo said that he is happy that they won as a team because they have been working hard at gym and it was his first time fighting in a boxing match.

Mkhwanazi conveyed that as a team it felt great to win.

“We were number 3 out of 11 universities that had participated which was a huge accomplishment to us as a team and our coach. For most of our teammates it is their first time participating in a tournament. Being selected was a great opportunity for me that I have been imagining about for years since I started boxing in 2015. It felt great being selected and it motivated me to train harder so that I can accomplish more than this. This will have a huge impact on my career as an amateur boxer and when I do decide to do professional boxing, I will gain a lot of experience by participating in national games,” he said.

For Ngiba it was a cherry on top as he was awarded with a best trophy and selected to play for the national team.

“Being selected to the national team is a dream come true.  I wanted to be on this team and on top of that I was awarded with the best boxer trophy for the first time, so it really warms my heart,” he said.

Coach Magudulela also urged the DUT community to join boxing.

“Whether you did box before or not please join the team, especially on the ladies’ side we are looking for more females and support. There are some of the tournaments which are coming along, and we will attend them to build a strong team for next year,” he said.

To follow the DUT Boxing team, go to:

Instagram: dutboxing

YouTube: DUT Sport administration

Pictured: The victorious DUT Boxing team. (Photo credit: Mncedisi J Ndlovu).

Sinethemba Njoko