SISONKE BOXING CLUB – Boxing for Hope
This is a long term project, documenting the youth of Imizamo Yethu, a rough township in Cape Town battling poverty and drugs, as they emerge into adulthood in a tough environment , supported through the sport of boxing.
Coach Bongile Centane applies ‘Hot ice’ rub to 19yr old Michael Kabundi on a Monday night after a tough amateur tournament on the weekend. Fujifilm XT3, with 27mm F2.8 ‘pancake lens’
In this humble gym, this group of talented youngster learn discipline, they get fit, and they become part of a family that watch out for each other.
Behind on points and heading into the final round 19yr old Olwethu Mayweather, a volunteer firefighter on Table Mountain, receives a roasting from Coach Bongile. He promptly went out and floored his opponent, winning by a KO.
Fujifilm XT3, with 16-55mm F2.8 Len at 16mm
The hero of the story is the coach Bongile Centane – a humble petrol jockey at BP by day, and boxing coach every evening.
Bongile Centane, dedicated boxing coach and petrol attendant. “Mandela was a boxer” he says, “and these kids are the leaders of tomorrow. That is why I am in the gym everyday after work”.
Fujifilm XT3, with 35mm 1.4 Lens at F1.4
What started off as a helping hand to get publicity and funds has become personal for me – driving the kids to competitions, and continually using my images to raise awareness and funds, the latter being the biggest challenge.
13yr old Ayabonga Majozi, an up and coming talent of note, catches his breath and gulp of water between rounds. Shot on Fujifilm XT3, with 35mm 1.4 Lens at F1.4
With gender violence also being a hot topic at the moment, it is also encouraging to see so many young women and girls joining the club and growing in self confidence.
Meet Lihle, Liyabona, Miko, Dina, and Sinako. A group of feisty 13yr old ladies passionate about learning boxing! Fujifilm XT3, with 27mm F2.8
By: Jonny Cohen
Website to find out more: www.jonnycohen.net
