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Boxing gloves hanging from ropes.
A prominent and top Gqeberha-based boxing trainer, Caiphus, has been producing boxing champions since 1999, when he established Caip Boxing Club at Joe Gqabi informal settlement under appalling conditions. Ntathe has developed over 100 amateur boxers and some have turned into professional trainers and managers, including four world champions.
Top South African boxers such as international champions like Thembani Hokolo, Gift Cisani and Sanele Magwaza, and female boxer Nozipho Bell are amongst the boxers produced by Ntathe.
He has just recently guided 21-year-old female boxer Okuhle Mti to challenge the World Boxing Federation Africa Title after Mti won the flyweight category division under 50.8kg last Saturday in Gqeberha.
The experienced boxing trainer was awarded the WBF award trophy two years ago in Cape Town.
“It’s been tough since 1999. We were using candlelight, and we had to throw water because it was dusty, and Joe Gqabi is very dangerous. But now, we are using different facilities, but some do remember where we come from. It’s not easy to produce champions or Eastern Cape titles. It’s all about discipline,” says Ntathe.
Some emerging boxers here are showing signs of dedication and commitment during training sessions.
They all say they have drawn inspiration from Ntathe’s wisdom.
“We all learnt something from him. We love him for his teachings. He is always patient with us when we train. He knows what he is doing, hence, we have new boxers almost every day,” says emerging boxer Anele Hashe.
“As a female boxer, I take full pride in my training. I love fitness so much and our trainer, Caiphus, is so good at that, including footwork,” says Lebohang Kumalo.
Ntathe is set to guide Hashe on his next fight on the 25th of October in the Mini Flyweight Category.
