SPORT -
| 2013-08-06Soweto Boxing Academy Polishes Gems
Sheefeni Nikodemus
INTRODUCING ... The Soweto Boxing Academy's prospects are (front row, from left) Shetu 'Harry Simon' Abraham, Martin 'Tyson' Ilwenya and Elifas 'The Rock' Shailemo. Middle: Marco 'Mike Tyson' Sason, Junior 'Hitman' Williams, Immanuel 'Shimandje' Haoseb, David 'Hammer' Petrus, Emmanuel 'The Hitman' Nilongwa, Paulus 'The Rock' Kuejo, Brendan &#
Photograph by Sheefeni Nikodemus
Nine year-old Martin Ilwenya wants to be a champion just like his idol and WBO Africa welterweight title holder Tyson Ushona.
To realise his dream, Martin signed up with the Soweto Boxing and Fitness Academy where he trains everyday along with nine other youngsters, who also share the same ambition.
To realise his dream, Martin signed up with the Soweto Boxing and Fitness Academy where he trains everyday along with nine other youngsters, who also share the same ambition.
“I know I can box. I will be a champion one day,” says Martin, a shy but tough fighter.
Martin has drawn praise from his idol, who believe that the boy is special.
“The boy has very rare skill. He understands boxing. He just knows what to do. For his age, he is impressive,” said Ushona.
Trainer Tobias Nashilongo, who has groomed Ushona, said they began with the juniors programme six months ago and signs are that they have unearthed a few gems.
Also registered at the academy are eight year-old Shetu 'Harry Simon' Abraham, Marco 'Mike Tyson' Sason (nine), Junior 'Hitman' Williams (10), Elifas 'The Rock' Shailemo (10), Immanuel 'Shimandje' Haoseb (10), David 'Hammer' Petrus (10), Paulus 'The Rock' Kuejo (10), Brendan 'Heavy' Mhlupi (10) and Emmanuel 'The Hitman' Nilongwa (13).
“When we first started, we had over 20 of them but some disappeared due to various reasons. The ones you see here today are the committed ones who want to make it,” he said.
He added that the youngsters were a treat to work with.
For now, the boys train 30 minutes per day. Their regimen varies and is tailored to suit their ages and level of boxing.
“These boys learn fast. You can see a big difference since they started. They are always on time for training and have lots of energy. I enjoy training them,” said Nashilongo.
“When you speak with them, they listen. We talk to them about many things apart from boxing. We teach them discipline and how to behave as a boxer. If we hear that they fight outside the gym, we will expel them. The ring is the only place they are allowed to fight,” adds fellow trainer Elifas Namundjebo.
Martin has drawn praise from his idol, who believe that the boy is special.
“The boy has very rare skill. He understands boxing. He just knows what to do. For his age, he is impressive,” said Ushona.
Trainer Tobias Nashilongo, who has groomed Ushona, said they began with the juniors programme six months ago and signs are that they have unearthed a few gems.
Also registered at the academy are eight year-old Shetu 'Harry Simon' Abraham, Marco 'Mike Tyson' Sason (nine), Junior 'Hitman' Williams (10), Elifas 'The Rock' Shailemo (10), Immanuel 'Shimandje' Haoseb (10), David 'Hammer' Petrus (10), Paulus 'The Rock' Kuejo (10), Brendan 'Heavy' Mhlupi (10) and Emmanuel 'The Hitman' Nilongwa (13).
“When we first started, we had over 20 of them but some disappeared due to various reasons. The ones you see here today are the committed ones who want to make it,” he said.
He added that the youngsters were a treat to work with.
For now, the boys train 30 minutes per day. Their regimen varies and is tailored to suit their ages and level of boxing.
“These boys learn fast. You can see a big difference since they started. They are always on time for training and have lots of energy. I enjoy training them,” said Nashilongo.
“When you speak with them, they listen. We talk to them about many things apart from boxing. We teach them discipline and how to behave as a boxer. If we hear that they fight outside the gym, we will expel them. The ring is the only place they are allowed to fight,” adds fellow trainer Elifas Namundjebo.
