Fifty boxers advanced to the finals at Mandela African Boxing Cup in Durban, South Africa after two intense semi-final sessions on Saturday. Fully packed International Convention Center (ICC) arena roared every time when local boxers had their hand raised.

Twenty countries have their finalists ready to The Democratic Republic of the Congo has the most chances to win team standings having 13 finalists. Team South Africa will be represented by 7 boxers, and Mozambique has 5 boxers in the finals and Ethiopia secured 3 places. Several countries are represented by 2 athletes, including Angola, Botswana, Eswatini, Gabon, Lesotho, and Mauritius, while the rest ten countries have one boxer each, including Bangladesh, Cape Verde, Egypt, Kenya, Namibia, Seychelles, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Zimbabwe.

Several favorites will be featured in the finals, including Ivanusa Moreira from Cape Verde, Alcinda Dos Santos and Rady Gramane from Mozambique, Peter Pita from DR Congo, and Louis Richarno Colin from Mauritius.

Sanele Sogcwayi from South Africa won his semi-final contest and will meet Mmoloki Sekwaipe from Botswana in the 60kg division.

‘It is a great experience to participate here, as every tournament we learn something new,’ Sogcwayi said. ‘It makes me proud to participate in the event named after Nelson Mandela, as it shows that he played a big role to get a freedom for us, so that is why today we must be celebrating, hosting the event and inviting countries all over Africa, it’s because of Mandela. I won prize money many times, and it does make a difference. First time I donated half of my prize money to an orphanage buying food and shoes for the orphans. That was the best way for me to spend money. I also invest into my preparations.’

Sogcwayi has mentioned that he is ready to win, saying ‘My cut will not be an issue for the final. It is not bleeding, I am fine and still handsome, there is nothing. I am ready.’

Sekwaipe, in turn, was happy to reach the final and hopes for a victory. ‘It feels so great, my first time in the final in this category. I have to prove that I am really talented and can make my flag raise higher and higher. I made my country proud tonight, and I am going to give it all tomorrow. I usually invest my prize money on my family, buy groceries, buy clothes for my younger brother. I start small businesses as selling some goods at home. I train with the national team mostly, I am still the youngest in the team. My goal is to become one of the greatest boxers.’

Temesgen Mitiku Neka from Ethiopia won his semi-final fight by a knockout, and now is going to face Joshua Cousin from the Seychelles.

‘The bout, in fact, was very hard, but we had great preparations in my country. My coach guides me really well, and I am always willing to win. Today I managed to knock my rival out. Tomorrow, God helps me, I will win by KO the next boxer again. I am 100% confident in my victory. I’ll do it for my country, that is my biggest motivation,’ Neka said.

The 12 women’s and 13 men’s finals will be split into two sessions staring at 13:00 CEST and 18:00 CEST on 21 April, the live stream is available at night.iba.sport.

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