Today, Limpopo does not have a single South African champion, and chances of producing talent are scarce because Maboko says the only gym there is in Malamulele.
“That is far for kids from the village,” says Maboko, whose gym is based in Greenside, Johannesburg.
“Jabulani Makhense has the potential but should move up to the junior-middleweight division because I doubt, he can dethrone current SA welterweight champ Thulani Mbenge.”
Mbenge, from Mdantsane, stopped Makhense in three rounds in 2021 for the minimal WBA Pan African title.
The two trainers are now pinning their hopes on Khensahosi Makondo – who will face Brandon Thysse for the vacant SA junior-middleweight belt in Golden Gloves tournament at Emperors Palace on August 23.
Thysse is trained by Damien Durandt, whose camp is home to IBO flyweight holder Jackson Chauke, who was the last South African to be in the Olympics which took place in Beijing in 2008.
“Khensahosi’s win will motivate young kids back home to consider taking up boxing as a career, so we start building up again because Nyiko and I have a plan,” said Maboko.
Bongani Magasela
www.sowetanlive.co.za
