He is a former promising boxer, himself but could not realize his dream of becoming a world champion. All because his background was not good and he grew up in the rural Limpopo where sporting resources are scarce or even non-existent.

Deep down in his heart he had an ambition that one day he would be able to assist other promising boxers in realizing their lifelong dreams.

Mpho Khorommbi from rural Mulenzhe village outside Thohoyandou started the Mulenzhe Boxing Club only a year ago and his dreams are bearing fruits, as he has already managed to produce one provincial champion, Pfariso Neluvhalani.

His stable does not have any of the modern resources which other boxers in towns enjoy, but this has not distracted his ambition. He and his boxers survive on the goodwill of the people.

His stable recently received a new lease on life when a well known local businessman, Thomas Dagada of Lwamondo Motors donated a full boxing kit on the eve of a major tournament. The kit has become a major boost for the impoverished boxers who for the first time would be able to wear the best.

Receiving the kit, Khorommbi said it has always been his dream to produce world champions from the villages for boxers who would not move to towns in search of greener pastures. “God has been on my side since I ventured into mentoring up and coming boxers, there is a lot of talent here and it is just waiting to be explored and I am happy that my dreams are bearing fruits,” he said.

He thanked Mr Dagada for the generous donation and urged other business people to plough back to the community in the form of supporting sports like boxing. In handing over the donation, Dagada said it was for the love of boxing that he did not hesitate when approached for assistance. “I am a former boxer myself and it became natural that I would help when asked to assist, I love this sport,” he said.

Dagada said there is a lot of talent in the rural villages which if not nurtured would roost and be lost forever. “Most of the big boxing names in the country come from this part of the country but they end up in Gauteng where opportunities are better. Dagada is not new in sponsoring sport. He is one of the major sponsors in the annual Lwamondo Soccer Tournament and many other community initiatives. He has also decided to employ the provincial featherweight champion, Pfariso Neluvhalani at his filling station. “We would like to see these boys prosper and making an impact in the boxing arena and we are very sure with the support we are giving them they would be big names in the not distant future,” he said.

The stable did not disappoint as all of them won their fights during the weekend tournament.