SOWETO PRODIGY: Busakwe has compiled a professional record 13 wins (nine by knockout) from 14 bouts and intends to buy a bigger house for his mother

By Pule Mokhine

Ex-convict- now-turned SA lightweight champion Khaya Busakwe is twiddling his thumbs to finish the year on a high note by making another successful title defense and prove he is the best fighter ever to emerge from Soweto in a long time.

The 33-year-old Busakwe served a six-year prison term at Boksburg prison after being incarcerated in 2010 for stealing a laptop at a shopping complex in Johannesburg while he was in a “bad company”.  Soon after his release from serving time, he took up boxing and turned professional in 2018. Busakwe, who hails from Central Western Jabavu, Soweto is now making waves in the ring in a big way.

At the moment, the orthodox pugilist trained by veteran Norman “Hitachi” Hlabane, is currently the only  national title holder  in the sprawling township that previously produced a glut of top-notch national champs including the likes of  Dingaan “The Rose of Soweto” Thobela and the late  Lehlohonolo “ Hands of Stone “ Ledwaba – both of whom  became household names by lifting national and world championship belts.

Incidentally, Hlabane himself also previously guided Thobela and Ledwaba towards the envious path of being world beaters themselves.

Busakwe was trained by the late Ledwaba who offered him to Hlabane in 2017 when he (Ledwaba) quit being a mentor to be become a co-promoter of TLB Promotions. Now the 33- year-old Busakwe has   kept the proverbial home fires burning by being the national championship holder – the one and only in Soweto at this juncture.

He won the crown in March after dethroning Eastern Cape’s Lusanda Komanisi at Orient Theatre in East London . His triumph was followed by a successful defense which he made in June by punishing Ayanda Nkosi from Ekurhuleni at Meropa Casino in fine style in Limpopo.

Now the 33-year-old Busakwe who is promoted by Ayanda Matiti, is looking to close the year on high by putting his belt on the line in December.

The soft-spoken fighter says he owes to a legion of his Soweto fans to put township on the map by making a big impact in the ring by making a successful defense in the next fight.

“My promoter is in the process of organizing a date in December and an opponent for my next title defense. I have been hard at training and am looking forward to winning and make Soweto proud once again with a successful defense.

I have learnt a lot from my previous experience of being jailed. I can only attribute this to having being in a bad company. My mind is in boxing and my focus is becoming the best fighter that I can become and keep on winning, Who knows, one day I will be crowned a world champ,” said Busakwe.

The boxer who has compiled a professional record 13 wins (nine by knockout) from 14 bouts, intends to buy a bigger house for his mother.

“We share a small family house in CWJ and my plan is to buy a bigger house one day. I owe it my mom who has been the pillar of my strength in boxing since my dark days when I served a term. My siblings also need a bigger space,” said the boxer.

His trainer Hlabane believes his charge has the potential to go all the way and make the grade in boxing just like Thobela and Ledwaba.

“Busakwe has a natural talent and has made the grade in our gym. We are looking forward to him making a successful defense before the year is out.  The boy has enormous talent and is ready to go places,” said Hlabane.

STREET CHILD CRICKET WORLD CUP IN FULL SWING

INDIA: Eight youngsters from the Western Cape will take part in the tournament

By Sports Reporter

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has shared in the joy to be part of team South Africa (SA) in the Street Child Cricket World Cup (SCCWC) which is underway in Chennai, India.

 The opportunity was made possible by the Sporting Chance Development Foundation SA, which will see eight youngsters from the Western Cape take part in the tournament.

The SCCWC, organised by global organisation Street Child United, provides a platform for children living in marginalised communities throughout the world to be heard, so they can receive the protection, support and opportunity that every child deserves.

The ten (10) day event brings together 170 young people from 19 countries  to take part in a World Cup style cricket tournament, a festival of arts, alongside child-friendly congress sessions to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by street-connected children. 

Team SA was selected by CSA’s Ancillary partner, the Sporting Chance Development Foundation, following certain criteria and with majority of the team coming from Baphumelele Children’s Home in Khayelitsha.

This year marks the second edition of the Street Child Cricket World Cup, following the success of the inaugural event in London 2019, where the finals were hosted at Lords Cricket Ground. The 2023 edition will take place at Amir Mahal, the official residence of the titular Nawab of Arcot, hosted by Nawab. Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot.

On the pitch, Team South Africa will take on national teams of mixed players (boys and girls) from countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe, England, Hungary, Mauritius, Burundi, Mexico, Nepal, Rwanda and Uganda. There will also be seven Indian teams representing different organisations from different regions across India. The tournament will play to the rules of Street20 Cricket, a format designed to promote equality and inclusivity.

Off the pitch, the young players will connect through creative art workshops and child-centred congress sessions to shape their messages before presenting their voices at the General Assembly, hosted at the Savera hotel in Chennai, India.

 CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said; “We are delighted to be a part of the Street Child Cricket World Cup, an event that not only celebrates the spirit of cricket but also provides a platform for marginalized children to be seen and heard.

 “Through the Sporting Chance Development Foundation SA, we have the privilege of sending a talented group of youngsters from the Western Cape to represent South Africa on this global stage. It’s a testament to the power of cricket to create opportunities and inspire young hearts.”

 “This tournament goes beyond boundaries and scores; it’s about unity, equality, and the right of every child to dream,” said Moseki. Speaking about the trip Brad Bing, MD of Sporting Chance Development Foundation, shared the following:

 “It’s been quite a journey to get to this point with the logistical challenges of passports, visas, etc. for children that live without full parental support.

 “Most of them have never ventured far from their community, so the aeroplane journey and this gateway to see the world and connect with children from all around the globe will be something that will develop them as individuals and allow them to come back to their communities as role models and heroes – despite what happens on the cricket pitch.”