Just three months after being crowned the Tshifudi Musangwe (bare-knuckle fist fighting) champion, hardened fighter Tshinandala Mukundamago (28) is confident he will defend his title this weekend at Makonde.
The fighter from Tshifudi spoke to Limpopo Mirror ahead of the highly anticipated Makonde Musangwe Official Championships. The event, dubbed "the mother of all battles," will take place at Makonde Stadium on Saturday. The line-up includes popular fighters such as Ngwazi, who will face Galinkuta; Noko, who will take on Timer; and Chenge, who will test his strength against Killer.
Mukundamago recently made headlines when he accused the organisers of the Tshifudi Musangwe of failing to honour their promise to compensate him for winning the championship. He was crowned champion during the Musangwe finals held at Tshifudi on 4 January.
Regarding his title defence, Mukundamago said he expected an easy victory.
"I have been challenged by a little-known fighter, Vhukaki, who will be no match for me. I will study him in the first round and, from then on, punish him. He won't be able to handle the heat. Since I found out I would be facing him, I've been training hard, with daily mountain climbs to stay in peak condition," he said.
Mukundamago added that he was passionate about the sport and committed to preserving it as part of Vhavenda culture.
"It's tough to stay in this sport, because there's no money in it. But I'm happy that this time, at least, I'll have something to take home after the fight. I won't reveal how much, but it's something. I desperately need a sponsor to support me as I'm starting a youth-training programme to nurture young talent," Mukundamago said.
But on Saturday, there will be more than just fighting. The KwaZulu-Natal-based musician, Big Zulu, will also be present and has promised fireworks. "This is an occasion not to be missed," said event organiser Freedom Malivhoho.