Overstrand Whale Boxing Club’s Siphamandla Damesi did it once again, bringing home gold after beating his opponent from Germany at the Nelson Mandela Bay Cup boxing tournament.
Coach Mzi Damesi reports Damesi was initially not included in the Western Cape team that was scheduled to compete in the tournament, held from 28 September to 4 October in Gqeberha.
“Siphamandla was initially not invited to take part in this tournament, but he went to replace a boxer from Cape Town who withdrew at the last minute,” Mzi explained.
“The weight category he competed in was not the category he usually competes in, but because he is always fit and dedicated to this sport of boxing he managed to fight against the heavyweight from Germany, who outweighed him by about 7 kg. He managed to beat him in the final.
“Damesi is the only boxer from the Western Cape to have brought gold home, just like with the Nationals in July when he was the only male boxer from the province to have won gold.”
Benele Dyasi, another boxer from the Overstrand Whale Boxing Club, also competed in the tournament.
“She fought gallantly and brought home bronze,” said Mzi.
“We are so proud of both Siphamandla and Benele as they lift the flag of the EMS Foundation, our main sponsor, as well as the Overstrand Municipality, not forgetting our Overstrand Whale Boxing Club.”