Thulamela Municipality alone has four world boxing champions who are presently reigning, while the rest of Limpopo has more than 20 national and international champions.

This was revealed by prominent Limpopo boxing trainer Mr Erick Baloyi, during a sightseeing tour of the world-class boxing gym which is under construction at Malamulele.

The state-of-the-art gym is the brainchild of the Thulamela Municipality and its value stands at R8,2m. The first of its kind in Limpopo, the gym will have space for modern boxing facilities, a hall, pavilion, change rooms, ticket rooms, ablution block, kitchen and cafeteria. Upon completion, the complex will be used for sports events, community meetings, conferences and workshops. The project commenced on July 9 this year, and it is expected to be completed on June 9 next year.

The mayor of Thulamela Municipality, Khosi Thivhulawi Makumbane, said the lack of sporting facilities has forced local sports personalities to look for greener pastures in Gauteng. "We strongly believe that this facility will help to unearth lots of hidden talents in our society. There will no longer be an excuse that there are no modern facilities in Thulamela and the standard of sports will improve. So many calls were made to the municipality to come up with a project of this nature and we are happy that we have answered the prayers of our people." However, Makumbane urged community members to handle the facilities with care. "This facility belongs to every one of us and it is our responsibility to make sure that its lifespan becomes eternal."

Boxing trainer Erick Baloyi thanked the Thulamela Municipality for coming up to his rescue. "My dreams have now been fulfilled because this is what I was longing for. There is no doubt that we will produce more world champions because the facilities are at our disposal."