Sipho Mbaliso - Boxing Has Taught Him Humanity

We are pleased to introduce you to another promising middleweight boxer from Mdantsane. Today's story was written by 2^nd year WSU journalism student Nkosekhaya Hlitane. 

This article profiles Sipho Mbaliso, who has exchanged life on the streets with the boxing ring at Mdantsane Siyajima Boxing.   

Sipho Mbaliso’s life has turned from despair to hope. The 20-year old from Mdantsane spent his teenage years living on the streets but now he is part of Siyajima Boxing.

Known as “Spider” for his speed and sting, Sipho is regarded as a very promising middleweight.

The scar-faced former R.H. Godlo pupil admits that living on the streets is no child’s play. “Street life is very difficult – it is a tough dark world where only the streetwise and toughest survive.”
Testimony to the emerging boxer’s comment is a deep scar below his left eye. 

“There is no one to defend you out there, it is everyone for himself,” he said.

Sipho was forced to fend for himself on the crowded and cruel streets of East London at the tender age of 13 after he lost both his parents in a motor accident in 2006.

“At times, when the problems of the world proved to be too challenging for me, I wondered how different life would have been if both my parents were alive.
“I had to drop out of school at Grade 7 as I did not have anyone to support me financially.”  

Sipho said this had affected his boxing career.
“It is hard for me to read or do English interviews. I do not know how I would handle a big contract.”

His coach Mzukisi Macofayishiye had nothing but praise for Sipho. “His quiet demeanour and good discipline are out of this world. It is surprising because he grew up without parental care or guidance. His skill inside the boxing ring is mesmerising. I believe that with a combination of good discipline, sportsmanship and sublime boxing skills, Sipho is one for the future.”

Reverend Bongani Qhosha, who was responsible for baptising Sipho, sees this transformation in his life as a blessing. “God handpicked this young man. Sipho is a role model to aspiring young sports personnel of all races in our society. We need people like him.” He said Sipho had made a move to the right direction.

A youngster at Siyajima Boxing who trains with Sipho Mbaliso. Boxing has taught Sipho humanity, an attribute which he passes on to younger kids - Image by Nkosekhaya Hlitane

Rev Qhosha says that the baptism was a cleansing ceremony which aimed at marking the change of fortunes in Sipho’s life. Sipho was baptised last April when he joined the academy.
Asked why he joined the academy Sipho said: “It was unsafe for me in the streets, I was abused emotionally and physically. I was also exposed to drugs. So I thought that sport particularly boxing will add value to my life.”

Vuyani Silo, Spider’s last official opponent was asked what he thought of Sipho: “Sipho is indeed a good boxer, he has the attributes of a spider – he is fast and dangerous, he packs a mean left hook.”
Spider’s girlfriend Ntombekhaya Mzilikazi explained how boxing has impacted Sipho’s life.
“Now he wakes up every day knowing that he has a dream to fulfil. Boxing has brought meaning and purpose to his life and the sport has taught him humanity, an attribute which he passes on to younger kids which he coaches.”

Sipho says: “Discipline, passion, and commitment are the key ingredients to my success, but I would not be here if it was not for God’s grace and the support of my coach and teammates.”

Sipho’s next fight is on August, 28, 2013, at Indoor Sports Centre in Mdantsane.