Story by Tichaona Kurewa
ZIMBABWEAN boxer Ndodana Ncube, whose death in South Africa last month shocked the sporting fraternity, was laid to rest in Hwange, Matabeleland North Province, this Sunday.
Family members, friends, fellow athletes and boxing officials gathered at Takazwipila Village in Jambezi to bid farewell to the boxer, popularly known as “The Black Hammer”, whose promising career was cut short at a young age.
Mourners paid tribute to Ncube’s achievements in the ring and the inspiration he provided to aspiring boxers in his community and beyond.
“As young boxers, we looked up to Ndodana for mentorship. This is devastating for all of us,” a boxer said.
“Ndodana raised our flag high as the people of Jambezi. We are deeply saddened by his loss,” a resident said.
“Our grandchildren looked up to him for inspiration. This loss is a huge blow to them as well,” a grandparent said.
Members of the boxing fraternity described Ncube’s passing as a significant loss to the sport, citing his potential and contribution to the development of boxing in Zimbabwe.
“The passing of Ndodana has affected our growth as a club. He was a promising young man. A hero has fallen,” National Junior Boxing Coach Mphilisi Moyo said.
Former boxer and promoter Starlin Mau Mau said Ncube’s death had robbed Zimbabwe of one of its emerging talents.
“We have lost a young talent. I am part of Ndodana’s journey and watched him grow. He had immense potential and a bright future ahead of him. He was a rising star, and I am devastated by this loss,” he said.
The Zimbabwean and South African boxing communities also commended the cooperation between authorities in the two countries during the repatriation process.
“We thank the people of Hwange for nurturing talent. We want to see more boxers from Hwange representing Zimbabwe. We are grateful for the support provided by South African authorities from the time Ndodana was hospitalised until the repatriation of his body. We also appreciate the support rendered by Zimbabwean authorities throughout the process,” Chairperson of the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board, Vee Chibanda, said.
Chief Executive Officer of the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board, Priscilla Kadungure, explained some of the challenges encountered during the repatriation process.
“The delay in repatriating the body was largely due to industrial action by doctors in South Africa, which delayed the post-mortem process. Despite these challenges, the repatriation process was completed,” she said.
Boxing South Africa Chief Executive Officer, Tsholo Lejaka, described Ncube’s death as a major loss to the sport.
“This is an interruption of a promising story that was still unfolding. The loss of a boxer is a significant blow to the entire boxing community. Ndodana had a bright future ahead of him,” he said.
Ncube collapsed shortly after defeating South African boxer Lunga Stimela in Middelburg, Mpumalanga Province, and did not regain consciousness before his death last month.
He is survived by his wife, Tatenda Magorokosho, and their one-month-old son, Ndodana Junior.
