Local boxing trainer Charity Mukondeleli from Madabani, in the Sinthumule area, was named Trainer of the Year by the World Boxing Federation (WBF) during a function held in Cape Town on 24 March this year.
Mukondeleli (44) was honoured for his contribution to youth development by training young boxers who have made South Africa proud at global competitions. He began his career as boxing trainer in 2018 after being influenced by the great boxing trainer, Nick Durandt.
A former flyweight boxing champion himself, Mukondeleli was euphoric when his name was called out by the President of the WBF, Mr Howard Goldberg, during the awards function. "I felt like someone had just woken me from a dream. I'm so proud to have received this accolade. I would like to thank former boxer Philip Ndou, trainer Nick Durandt and my wife for their support in my career. I once told Nick that I wanted to be like him and be the best trainer/producer in the world, and he told me it was possible, as long as I thought positively and ignored negativity. I'm especially grateful for my wife, because at some point I wanted to give up, but she kept encouraging me to continue with boxing development," he said.
One of his boxers, Thato Molokwana, described him as a humble and loving trainer who took care of his boxers. "[Mukondeleli] loves people, and he likes giving back to the poor. He feels fulfilled when he has done something good for other people. His love for boxing is unbelievable," he said.
Mukondeleli said he would work hard to make sure that he produced more future boxing champions. He also encouraged other community members to help in producing future stars in different sporting codes, so that they could have a better future.