The Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) has delivered a knockout performance at the Sanabo National Cadets and Junior Championships, with all eight of their boxers returning home with medals – including six coveted gold medals that crowned them as South African champions.
The remarkable achievement took place during the national championships held in Rustenburg, North-West Province, from 7 – 12 October where the Hermanus-based club’s athletes helped propel the Western Cape provincial team to second place in both the Cadets (12-14 years) and Juniors (15-16 years) categories. Leading the charge was Kolunga Ndleleni, who not only claimed gold but also received the prestigious “best bout trophy” for his outstanding performance. He was joined on the top step of the podium by fellow gold medalists Sikhumbuzo Saul, Gift Nogemane, Yonwaba Mcinjana, Sinalo Mbovane, and Sibulele Sukude. The medal haul was completed by Iphemna Mbaba with silver and Sinako Ndlovu with bronze, making OWBC’s representation a 100% medal-winning success story.
The road to success wasn’t without obstacles. The Western Cape team faced significant challenges when 24 of their 45 boxers were disqualified due to inadequate medical examinations – a costly requirement that proved prohibitive for many athletes. “Thanks to EMS Foundation for the support they gave to the OWBC boxers, as these medical blood tests are done in laboratories and are very expensive,” noted club manager Mzi Damesi. The foundation’s support extended beyond medical costs, covering travel expenses, accommodation, catering, and essential equipment including boxing boots. The support proved crucial in a competition where, due to lack of sponsorship, many other provincial boxers were “forced to sleep in community halls on the floor with no proper catering”.
“For OWBC, these national championships represent more than just immediate success – they’re part of a larger vision. “This is a cohort of boxers that as OWBC we want to prepare for 2032 World Olympics in Brisbane, Australia. This is our dream as OWBC,” explained Damesi, who emphasised the inspirational impact in their community: “These kids are now a beacon of hope to all the children in Hermanus and Zwelihle, that you can be the best regardless of your background.” The success story highlights the importance of community partnerships in developing sporting talent. The ongoing relationship between OWBC and the EMS Foundation has proven instrumental in enabling these young athletes to compete at the highest level. “Our partnership is now bringing real tangible results,” noted Damesi, while also acknowledging the crucial support from parents who backed their children through intensive training preparations. As these young champions return to their training routines, they carry with them not just medals, but the dreams of an entire community and aspirations for future Olympic glory.
Their success serves as proof that with the right support, dedication, and partnership, extraordinary achievements are possible.
