Just over a month ago, Tshinandala Mukundamago was crowned the new champion of the Tshifudi Musangwe (bareknuckle fist-fighting) championship. One would expect him to still be basking in the glory of his victory - but he is not. Instead, he feels let down.
When the finals of the 2024/2025 Musangwe tournament took place on 4 January, Mukundamago fought like a true champion and was elated when he was declared the winner. He vowed to defend the title to ensure it remained in Tshifudi, the mecca and home of the traditional sport.
However, his excitement has turned to bitterness after realising that he would receive no compensation or special recognition. The 28-year-old from Tshifudi said he did everything in his power to make the 2024/25 Musangwe tournament a memorable one.
"During the close of the 2023 season, we were promised that the new season would be sponsored and that the fighters would be compensated. When the new season started last year, the organisers assured us that they would secure sponsors. That motivated all the fighters, who gave their all in the ring, knowing they would have something to take home at the end of the season. But that was not to be," he said.
According to Mukundamago, while the primary goal of Musangwe is to preserve the age-old Vhavenda culture, that does not mean fighters should go unrecognised.
"Musangwe is for the brave. This is a very risky sport where a fighter could die in the ring. Just imagine—someone like me, who faced so many opponents throughout the season and was declared champion, ends up with nothing to show for it? I am very disappointed with the organisers. They should have at least made an effort to get us trophies or certificates. A little bit of cash would have been a great incentive," he said.
Mukundamago worries that one day his children will only hear stories of his championship title, but he will have nothing tangible to prove it.
"This is very bad, and the organisers should do something to recognise our efforts. We cannot show off bruises as proof of our achievements. As fighters, we are calling on businesspeople to fully support the sport. As things stand, I don't think fighters will be motivated to participate again," he said.
Asked for comment, Mr Pfarelo Mahadulula, one of the Tshifudi Musangwe leaders, said he was surprised by the accusations.
"As organisers, we told them from the beginning that we had no sponsors but that if any came on board, it would be a big break for the fighters. We did not secure any sponsorship, and we had to handle most of the arrangements ourselves. As for Tshinandala, I personally explained the situation to him. If the fighters have any information suggesting that we received sponsorship funds, they are welcome to come forward and hold us accountable. We never received any money from anyone," he said.