Tsakani – The crowd roared with excitement as fists flew and adrenaline filled the air at the Rising Up From The Roots Boxing Tournament, held on March 8 at the Faranani Multipurpose Centre.
Boxing fans packed the venue in anticipation of a day filled with determination, rising talent and thrilling clashes inside the ring. The tournament was a joint promotion between Miss P Promotions and Jab Connection Promotions.
Its aim was to bring together promising fighters who aim to prove themselves on a professional stage.
The event follows an initiative by the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, which approached Boxing South Africa (BSA) to allocate available funds to emerging promoters.
Event co-organiser Lyle Hulley said the move is aimed at reviving grassroots boxing and creating opportunities for new promoters while creating platforms for rising fighters to showcase their talent.
The opening bout immediately set the tone for the electrifying fights ahead.
Elizabeth Ndlovu and Emma Mohono defended their positions in the ring. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Elizabeth Ndlovu and Emma Mohono both played tactically. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Rokunda ‘Jaguar’ Ndanduleni (19), who had travelled all the way from Venda, squared off against Akhim ‘The Dream’ Masamba (21) from Johannesburg in a fast-paced and highly entertaining clash.
From the sound of the first bell, both fighters displayed hunger and confidence, exchanging sharp punches that kept the crowd on the edge of their seats. Masamba’s coach, Xolani Moyo, said Masamba was constantly held back by his knee injury.
He mentioned that his injury had an effect on his speed, clever footwork and his opponents’ relentless pressure and powerful combinations took control of the fight. Round after round, the young Ndanduleni pushed forward, landing clean shots that gradually swung the momentum in his favour.
By the final bell, Ndanduleni’s dominance in the ring was undeniable, earning him a deserved victory and loud applause from the crowd. His coach, Peter Malinga, a former boxer and champion, said he was proud of Ndanduleni’s performance in his professional debut.
“He is a young fighter with a lot of potential. He comes from a strong background, and his father is very supportive of his boxing journey. For a first fight, I am delighted with how he performed in the ring,” said Malinga.
Sandile Xaka, Philasande Muvevi, Tumelo Mphahlele and Mai Nhlanganiso. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Malinga admitted that stepping into the professional ring for the first time can be challenging for any boxer. Ndanduleni said he thoroughly enjoyed his first professional fight and was grateful for the support he received.
“I enjoyed my first fight and the crowd that came out to support me. “I want to thank my coach and everyone at the gym who put in the work to prepare me.
“In the ring, the pressure is higher because people are watching, and you do not want to disappoint them. But it was a great experience, and I learned a lot,” he explained.
Ndanduleni also credited his family, especially his father, for supporting him throughout his journey. The young boxer also encouraged other young people to stay focused and avoid negative influences.
“I would advise young people to stay in the gym. Boxing is a good sport, but you need heart and discipline,” he advised.
Rokunda ‘Jaguar’ Ndanduleni and Akhim ‘The Dream’ Masamba. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
A thrilling fight between Rokunda Ndanduleni and Akhim Masamba. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
The tournament reached a climax with the final bout between Tumelo Mphahlele and former champion Sphamandla Manqatha. The fight was packed with high drama, and both boxers showed determination inside the ring.
Mphahlele, who hails from Tembisa, fought with confidence and composure against the seasoned Manqatha. Round after round, the two exchanged powerful punches, thrilling the crowd as the tension built towards the later stages of the fight.
The bout ultimately ended in the seventh round when the referee called a technical knockout (TKO) after Manqatha suffered a bad cut, making it unsafe for the fight to continue.
The stoppage handed Mphahlele a memorable victory.
The win was made even more special as Mphahlele captured the title on his birthday, turning the day into a double celebration for the Tembisa boxer and his supporters.
Lucky Nyembezi and Sithembele Cele kept fans on their feet. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
A fight between Lucky Nyembezi and Sithembele Cele. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
Lucky Nyembezi and Sithembele Cele entertained the crowd. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
A fight between Rokunda Ndanduleni and Akhim Masamba. Photo: Nomsa Ngubeni
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