What started as a casual conversation with her tutor blossomed into a passion that would shape Fezeka Dlamini’s future. The young woman from northern KZN has defied expectations and embraced the thrilling world of boxing where she is throwing serious punches and making a name for herself.
Durban, South Africa (06 December 2024) – Hailing from northern KZN in the town of Nongoma, Fezeka Dlamini never imagined she would fall in love with a male-dominated sport such as boxing. It was a conversation with her tutor during her matric year that initially sparked the inner boxer in her.
“During a random conversation in one of our study sessions when she told me about how she got involved in the world of boxing and coincidently I got to varsity and found myself in the same situation as hers.
“I learned that I was going to get an opportunity to travel to Cape Town, which was a bonus for me as I’ve always wanted to visit the city.”
Fezeka joined boxing in her first year at the Durban University of Technology and shared about how she has always been drawn to doing things that are assumed to be just for boys, to prove that girls are just as capable.
The rising star has participated in the South African National Boxing Organisation, SANABO, where she gained a wealth of knowledge and experience. Fezeka even walked away with a bronze medal and hopes to go even harder next year. She is also participating in the University Sports South Africa competition, which is currently underway in Pretoria.
Inspired by the incredible achievements of Olympic Chinese boxer Chang Yuan at the Games, Fezeka aspires to reach similar heights.
“I was completely astonished by her performance and boxing technique. Many say in order to be great your role model must be a male but mine is the 27-year-old Chinese female boxer who became the first woman to win an Olympic gold for China in the sport.”
Being a female boxer has also sparked an interest in her community, and there is hope that she will open a boxing gym to introduce boxing to young individuals.
While she never really saw a future in boxing, her growth, successes, and those of the few other women in the sport have changed her perspective.
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“Being exposed to it more (boxing) and having supporting coaches and family, has made me realise that this is my talent.
“Many find theirs at a young age but I found mine at 19. I take talent as a gift from God, and a gift needs to be opened and used. I’m still not sure if I’ll ever make a career out of boxing but for now, I’m learning and enjoying,” Fezeka expressed.
Sources: Durban University of Technology
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