Tsakani – Lwazi Xundu is the founder and head coach of a community-driven boxing initiative based in Tsakani.
His journey into boxing began in the rural areas of Mount Frere, in the Elugangeni location, Eastern Cape.
Xundu’s passion for boxing started when he was in Standard Eight (Grade 10), when he met a boxing trainer, Daliwonga Godlo, who changed the course of his life.
“Godlo was a student older than me. He planted the seed of boxing and became my coach for five formative years.
“Under Godlo’s guidance, I trained as part of a strong Eastern Cape team that consistently performed well and dreamed of turning professional,” explained Xundu.
Lwazi Xundu has a passion for teaching boxing. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“Despite our talent, corruption in the system crushed our dreams.”
According to Xundu, officials responsible for professional trials deliberately gave the team incorrect information about venues, blocking their chances so that favoured boxers could advance instead.
“After repeated failed attempts to turn professional, my boxing career came to an abrupt end when I sustained an injury, and doctors advised me to stop boxing.
“The decision broke me emotionally, as boxing had become my life and identity. Years later, the pain of that loss transformed into purpose,” he explained.
In 2010, while residing in Tsakani, Xundu joined the Tsakani CPF, where he patrolled the streets at night. During these patrols, he encountered young people involved in crime, drugs, and alcohol abuse.
Lwazi Xundu has a passion for boxing. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Witnessing community members take the law into their own hands, sometimes violently, troubled him deeply.He realised that punishment alone would never solve the problem.
Drawing on a powerful metaphor, he believed fixing the source of a problem is better than constantly reacting to its consequences.
Preventing crime by guiding children early, he believed, was the solution. Xundu established Total Success Boxing Club in Tsakani on June 27, 2014.
“My vision began in a simple car garage; my desire to pass on my boxing knowledge while still alive and able, rather than dying with skills the world still needs, was important to me. My goal was to win at least one child out of ten children away from crime and towards discipline and purpose.
“I started with five boxers, and despite limited resources, the club quickly began collecting regional medals,” he said.
Lwazi and Mthokozisi ‘Challenge’ Xundu. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“One of the most meaningful moments in the club’s history was when ‘Scorpion’ Mnguni, a boxer who had served a prison sentence, joined us.
“After being released on parole, I offered him guidance, structure and support to rebuild his life and regain acceptance in the community.”
Xundu emphasised that the decision to assist him was rooted in the club’s deeper mission – to offer rehabilitation, second chances, and meaningful transformation to young people.
He further explained that his love for boxing deepened as his boxers began achieving major milestones. In 2018, Mnguni and Kwanele ‘Bull Dog’ Nkabinde turned professional, becoming role models for younger athletes.
Vuyo ‘Holly Boy’ Mnguni emerged as a standout performer, winning gold at the National Championships in 2019 under Xundu’s mentorship.
Lwazi Xundu’s passion for boxing started while in high school. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
“His success continued internationally, representing South Africa in 2022 at the African Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region Five Games in Malawi, where he claimed another gold medal.
“He represented the country in Russia at the BRICS Games in 2024, and again internationally in Seychelles in 2025 under a team of South African National Amateur Boxing Organisation (SANABO),” he added.
Other boxers from the club, such as Thando ‘Game Changer’ Mtiya, Thembalam ‘Biggest’ Khoza, Mthokozisi ‘Challenge’ Xundu, Thando Madi and Katlego ‘Kat’ Mollo, have also brought home provincial, national, and novice medals between 2023 and 2025.
Xundu said this has consistently put Tsakani and Gauteng on the boxing map. He highlighted that Total Success Boxing Club is now more than a training space; it is a pillar of the community, offering structure, discipline, and hope to at-risk youth.
His training philosophy focuses on physical conditioning through bodyweight exercises, technical boxing skills, and mental toughness.
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“I believe that discipline, consistency, and character are the foundations of success, in and out of the ring. Every boxer is different, and training must be tailored to individual needs and strengths.
“Running the club is not without challenges. Limited funding, lack of proper facilities, inadequate equipment, transport difficulties, and minimal support from local businesses make the work difficult,” he said.
Xundu often competes against countries with advanced infrastructure, yet he remains committed. He also indicated that the club faces the challenge of changing community perceptions about boxing, which is often misunderstood as a violent sport rather than a disciplined code that teaches respect and self-control.
Despite these obstacles, Xundu continues to motivate his athletes through encouragement, goal setting, celebrating small victories, and acting as a father figure to many.
“I believe that boxing builds confidence, leadership, resilience, and life skills that extend beyond the ring. Boxing is a powerful tool for personal development. It is a real-life video game that teaches perseverance, courage, and mental strength,” he stated.
Looking ahead, Xundu’s vision is to grow Total Success Boxing Club by reaching more children, hosting local and international tournaments, and exposing boxers to opportunities that offer real incentives and life-changing rewards.
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