Kayamandi Boxing Academy’s Young Champions Aim for National Glory
Three young boxers from the Western Cape are ready to go up against the best of South Africa at the SANABO National Boxing Championships in Rustenburg from 7 to 12 October 2025. Amahle Mthelo, Endinako Nqolose, and Luthando Mayongo, aged 14 to 15, proudly represent their academy and hometown, Kayamandi.
"Amahle earned silver at her first national competition in 2023 before returning to win gold in 2024"
The Kayamandi Boxing Academy, founded in 2019 by two former boxers, Xolisani Thembani and Mandilakhe Qavane, began as a structure to uplift young people and has since grown into a space where lives are being transformed. “What began as a simple vision has grown into a social impact initiative dedicated to getting young people off the streets and equipping them with valuable life skills,” explained academy secretary and administrative officer Nombulelo Ngolozana. “Our goal is not only to help them grow personally and professionally, but also to expand into programs that address scarce skills in the future.”
Inside the academy, boxing is not just about throwing punches. It is about teaching discipline, focus, and resilience. Amahle earned silver at her first national competition in 2023 before returning to win gold in 2024. Endinako followed closely behind, making her national debut in 2024 and earning a silver medal of her own. Now, the spotlight also shines on Luthando, who is making his debut this year after making his mark at the provincial level.
Boxing is a principled sport that requires discipline and consistency, something exemplified by the likes of Jacob “Baby Jakes” Matlala, a four-time World Champion, and Gerrie Coetzee, the first-ever South African to win the World Heavyweight Championship. “What sets our boxers apart is their hard work, discipline, and willingness to learn. They approach the craft of boxing with tireless dedication and focus,” Ngolozana said. Long hours of stamina and strength building, combined with carefully planned diets, are the sacrifices that these young boxers had to endure in preparation for the National Boxing Championship.
Leading into this week of high intensity in the ring, the academy also draws inspiration from its trailblazers. One of its brightest role models is Stellenbosch’s first-ever female professional boxer, Olwethu Mkhathala. Her amateur career was decorated with numerous accolades, and she is currently undefeated after turning professional in April 2025. “Her journey continues to inspire us all,” said Ngolozana. “In a sport often seen as male-dominated, she has proven that with discipline and determination, there are no limits to what one can achieve.”
For the academy, the hope is that Amahle, Endinako, and Luthando will follow in those footsteps and return home as champions. “Our athletes are disciplined, talented, and full of potential. My hope is that they will make a name for themselves, and for the academy by achieving success as national champions. Producing three champions in the Cadets and Juniors categories would be a remarkable milestone for our academy,” Ngolozana said.
As Amahle, Endinako, and Luthando prepare for their biggest test yet, they carry with them the dreams of many. Their fight is not only inside the ring but also against the obstacles that stand in the way of opportunity. With the support of the community, their story could be more than one of medals and trophies, it could become a story of hope that shows anything is possible when young people are given a chance to thrive.
