By Helge Schutz

Copyright namibian

Morning Star Boxing and Fitness Academy in Grootfontein has developed into a boxing club of note since being established six years ago.

It has developed several junior champions, while it plans on expanding boxing further by hosting regional tournaments in the north.

According to head coach Johannes Shilimedimo, the club already has 50 registered boxers with several having gone on to excel at regional and national level.

“From humble beginnings we have developed into a powerhouse training centre producing top level athletes, local champions, and even national champions. What sets us apart is our commitment to excellence and discipline. I am so proud of my boxers who have won numerous medals in regional and national competitions,” he said.

Some of their boxers who have gone on to represent Namibia include Martin Jones in the 48kg division and Festus Leonard in the 51kg division at the National Youth Games. This year Augusto Simuanza (54kg senior) and Katemo Thomas (48kg youth) both qualified to represent the Otjozondjupa regional team after standing out at the regional trials, while other exciting prospects include Johannes ‘Shotgun’ Ndeitya who is undefeated after 14 amateur fights in the 34kg junior category, Jeremiah Shilimedimo who has 16 wins, one draw and two losses, and Toukodjela Ndawendwapo who has won his first two fights.

Coach Shilimedimo thanked Tim Wolstenholme of Carbo Namibia/Big K Products, which has sponsored the club and assisted with coaching.

“We are lucky that Tim reached out and helped our club, because this will make our boxers more determined to achieve their dreams. Tim has vast experience with boxing in the United Kingdom and we are going to work together to bring a big boxing event to Grootfontein which will be free for the local community to attend,” he said.

Wolstenholme, who was involved with boxing for many years in England, said that Shilimedimo was making a big impact in Grootfontein.

“I’ve seen first hand the great work Johannes is doing for the local community. He’s not just a coach, but a friend and a parent to his boxers,” he said.

“At Carbo Namibia and Big K Products in England we understand the important work that people like Johannes do. As a family business we feel it is important to play our part in the community by supporting them. We are looking forward to building a relationship with Johannes and Morning Star Boxing and Fitness Academy,” he added.

Wolstenholme said boxing helped him find direction and purpose in life.

“I had my own struggles growing up in England and life wasn’t as easy as people would think. My family struggled as we didn’t have much. Sport was a way to focus and forget your problems, and in the gym everyone is the same and you become family,” he said.

“When I got older, I realised how much of an impact sport had on my life growing up, so I wanted to give back. I started helping at the local boxing gym I attended and after a few years became an England boxing qualified coach. I climbed the ranks and oversaw the eastern counties region for England boxing, supporting more than 50 boxing clubs. I helped organise many boxing events, from demonstrations in schools, to small local shows and big national tournaments,” he added.

Morning Star will now host a boxing tournament in Outjo tomorrow and Wolstenholme said they want to host more tournaments in future.

“I am looking forward to attending a boxing show with Johannes and the boxers in Outjo this coming Saturday. We are also going to work together to bring a boxing event for the Grootfontein community to enjoy. The boxers at the club train so hard, it would be fantastic for all their family and friends to be able to attend a show in Grootfontein so they can showcase their skills,” he said.