Brothers Amahle and Aphelele Msomi dream of using boxing to uplift the community and make a difference. Growing up in the Princess informal settlement, the brothers have had big dreams of playing soccer in front of big crowds, but that took a back seat after they were introduced to the Witpoortjie Vikings Amateur Boxing Club’s ring almost four months ago.
Twelve-year-old Amahle loves boxing because it has taught him how to defend himself. “I can also use my newly learned skills to defend my family too if needed. Although boxing is what I love to do, it has not taken away from my focus on education so I can be a scientist one day. That is because I want to be a person my community looks up to and is proud of, so that more children like me can have a positive role model they can emulate and I can also have the means to help them pursue their dreams,” he said.
Amahle has competed in four bouts, winning three and losing one. His younger brother, Aphelele, also loves that he can defend himself now but the biggest reason for his passion for the sport is the sense of family he feels.
“Boxing is keeping me away from unnecessary activities which could spoil my future. It keeps me healthy and active,” he said. The 11-year-old is aiming to become a soldier when he grows up but this will not take him away from his love of boxing. He also wants to open a boxing gym and give the youth in his community an alternative to being in the streets and being idle.
“From the ducking and diving to throwing a punch or a jab, the thrill of being in the ring is amazing. I watch the seniors in the club who have smiles on their faces as they compete and I look up to them.
They also inspire me to become a better boxer,” he said.
For more information on the club, contact coach Phillip du Rand on 081 212 9143.
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