The dreams of an award-winning Limpopo amateur lady boxer to make it in the paid ranks look bleak if no sponsor comes her way.

Mukondeleli Ndou (22) of Lwamondo Zwavhahili outside Thohoyandou says she has tried everything to find somebody to take her under his wing, but all her efforts have been in vain. Ndou, nicknamed Destroyer by her fans, has amongst her achievements the Thulamela Achievers Awards 2007, the OR Tambo Limpopo Games Best Lady Boxer 2003 and Ladies In-terprovincial Tournament 2006.

The ambitious boxer started her career in 2000 at the tender age of 14 after seeing her brother, Oscar Ndou, bringing medals home after he had won some tournaments. “I became obsessed with the medals and awards and just fell in love with the sport and I started going for training at Lwamondo Boxing Club under the watchful eye of trainer Shumani Nemurangoni.” She proved herself to be a boxer of note by winning several provincial and national tournaments, which made her very confident that she could make it as a professional boxer, but there were no chances here in the province,

In 2008, she moved to Johannesburg, trying to find a promoter who could mentor her in order to realize her dream of becoming a professional boxer. She met the famous former world boxing champion, Philip Ndou, with the hope that he would assist her into becoming a pro, but this did not materialize as she trained with him for the whole year without getting an opponent to fight in all this time.

This has left her very frustrated and even contemplating quitting the sport for good. She packed her bags and headed back home to Limpopo very disappointed “I love the sport so much that when I think of quitting, I just reverse my thoughts. I just feel that there could be somebody out there waiting to assist me in realizing my long-cherished dreams. I have a feeling that somebody out there is waiting to help me,” said the confident and dedicated Ndou. She said she even approached the local municipal office’s sports desk where she could not get any help but was advised to look for a sponsor herself.

“I have tried everywhere for a sponsor, but with no luck. Could anybody out there come to my rescue before my talent goes down the drain?” pleaded the boxer.

Ndou, who does not even have a boxing kit, said she would accept any help that could come her way, be it cash, kit or training facilities. “My wish is to turn professional before the end of the year and at least have one fight. I am ready for anyone who might come my way, and I do not fear anybody,” boasted Ndou. She said she feels that she is wasting her talent without doing anything and would like to have a professional fight before the end of the year. “I am determined to make it in this male-dominated sport, no matter the odds.”

Attempts to get comment from Phillip Ndou proved fruitless as he said he did not discuss work matters during weekends, but could only do so in his office on Monday. Pressed to comment, he confirmed he had been training with the person before she left.

Trainer Shumani Nemurangoni of the Lwamondo Boxing Club, who unearthed Ndou, said she had the potential to make it in the paid ranks. Nemurangoni, who has produced one female boxing professional, Maria Sivhaga, and well-known boxer Mphambanyeni Khaphathe, says the lack of infrastructure and experts in our area leads to many talents being wasted. “The lady is very gifted and if she gets the necessary support, she has the potential to win a title in the next two years,” he said.

Those wishing to assist her could call her at 078 115 6660.