WALMER-BORN Kholekile Masiza believes that any sportsperson must respect the members of the community, in order to achieve their immediate goals.
Masiza became an amateur boxer in Walmer Township in 1965. He said that the standard of boxing was very high and the halls were full to the rafters. He mentioned that in those days, their fundamental aim was to become champions in the amateur ranks. Above all, they worked hard to turn into professional boxers.
He said, “Our immediate goal was to become provincial champions. There were four provinces (at that time), which were Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal and Orange Free State. I was one of the best punchers and my father supported me all the time. He motivated and encouraged me because he had a passion for sport.”
According to Masiza, the Department of Sport during those days provided only gloves and one punchbag for each boxing club. He said that their club had to buy a speed-ball and they had to improvise to make a skipping rope.
Despite those challenges, he told himself that one day he would turn into a professional boxer. He revealed that some big tournaments were hosted in New Brighton, Kwazakhele and Uitenhage. Money to transport boxers to the venues was a huge challenge but Masiza and other many boxers had to be transported in a small van. He stated that the black boxers fought together under one federation, Masiza.
He won his South African welterweight amateur title in Lichtenburg. During his amateur boxing career, Masiza won many fights by the way of knockouts.
In 1971, Masiza turned professional. When Nkosana “Happy” Mgxaji won the SA title fight, he relinquished his Cape Province title. Then Masiza faced the local lad Welcome Dyantyi whom he beat on points.
“I lost only my last two fights, to Pangaman Sekgapani and Ben Lekaleka.
“I decided to hang up gloves in 1980.
“My last fight was against Lekaleka, who defeated me on points. I saw that age was catching up with me and I quit boxing then,” he said.
“Respect is the most important value that sportspersons should uphold in their community.
“As a sportsman or woman, you must respect the members of the community in order to earn the recognition and respect from the community. Training very hard and having passion for sport pay dividends.” – SELBY MADIKANE
