Simankele Damesi, a boxer from the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club (OWBC) in Zwelihle represented South Africa at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

For the young fighter, stepping into the ring at one of the world’s biggest sporting events was a landmark moment and a chance to carry Hermanus’s name onto the international stage. Damesi competed in the Men’s 65kg welterweight division (Round of 32). His first and only bout was on 24 July, when he faced Ziggy Agathe of Mauritius. The contest was stopped by the referee (RSC-I) because of an injury – a cut above Damesi’s eye – just eight seconds into the second round.

The ringside doctor advised the referee to stop the contest after assessing the cut. All five judges had scored the first round 10-9 in favour of Agathe, making it a difficult start for Damesi before the injury brought his Commonwealth Games campaign to an early close. Although the result was not the one he had hoped for, his participation itself is a significant achievement.

Sanabo Champ

Damesi is coached by his uncle, Mzi Damesi, the founder and head coach of the OWBC, who accompanied him to Glasgow. Based in Zwelihle the club is supported by the EMS Foundation and continues to give young people in the community an opportunity to develop through boxing. Damesi’s journey to the Commonwealth Games reflects the commitment of his coach, club and supporters.Damesi previously won a bronze medal at the Sanabo Championships, adding to a record that points to his promise in the sport. Despite the disappointing outcome in Glasgow, it was a tremendous achievement for a young boxer from Hermanus to appear on the world stage at the Commonwealth Games.The community of Hermanus and the Overstrand is proud of Damesi’s achievement and his contribution to the sport. His appearance in Glasgow is an important chapter in his boxing journey and an inspiration to other young athletes in the region.

Simamkele and Mzi want to thanks Sascoc, Sanabo, EMS, Boxraw UK, Pro-Active Hermanus, Sheldon Smith and Amelda Smith and Rotary Club Hermanus.

• Correction: In last week’s Hermanus Times, it was incorrectly reported that Sihle Mjongile was the boxer who traveled to the 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. This was an error. The boxer who represented South Africa at the Commonwealth Games is Simankele Damesi.