Nwazi Ramukakati the Tshifudi musangwe champ

Thuso “Ngwazi” Ramukakati was crowned as the new champion of the indigenous musangwe  tournament after he beat Steve Ndiitwani in the final that was staged at the Tshifudi Stadium on Saturday.

Twenty bouts took place in the senior categories. Several non-title fights were also seen before the start of the championship fights. More than 3 000 enthusiastic spectators attended the event. When he took the stage, he stood minutes alone in the ring for at least five, aggressively showing off his bravery and physique for any man willing to take him, according to the Venda tradition of musangwe.

Bruises, knocked-out teeth, and bleeding are some of the consequences fighters expect when they exchange blows in this bare-knuckled fistfight. Physical injury is the price participants are willing to pay in their quest for personal glory in the eyes of their village folk.

Reuben Muleba and Biza Mudau were the first to enter the ring. The referee was forced to stop the fight in a bid to save Biza’s life. Biza’s nose was bleeding profusely when the fight was stopped. Tshimangadzo Masia beat Engedzani Kwinda, after it was realised that Kwinda was applying dirty tricks. Lion Ndou was too hot for Kenneth Siobo.

Khodani “Cinah” Nephalama was declared the winner after "Checkers" started to use time-wasting tactics. "I have participated in more than 100 bouts and I remember only losing one fight," said Nephalama.”Even the girls like me because they know I'm a good fighter," he joked.

Ngwazi said musangwe was about "proving your manhood", a quality that is held in high regard at Matangari village, where he comes from. "I go onto the battle field knowing that I must pummel anyone who dares challenge me."

The president of musangwe in Vhembe, Mr Tshilidzi "Poison" Ndevana, said though a fight could be brutal, rules and paramedical measures are made available to mitigate worst-case scenarios. He said the fighters were only allowed to use their bare fists."We always ensure that musangwe is as safe as possible. When a fighter sustains a cut or bleeds during a fight, we have to stop the match."

He said the respect for culture was the source of unity among his people. He has vowed to make the sport an annual affair, to be held during April.

Sport - Date: 29 April 2016

Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.

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