‘I just want to fight’

Makokoba is known for being home to almost everything from hardened criminals to the best artistes and footballers.
A number of stars have come out of Makokoba with the most famous being the Ndlovu brothers — Madinda, Adam and Peter — who played for Highlanders and the Zimbabwe national soccer team.
Other soccer stars that have merged from Makokoba include Zenzo Moyo, the late Lenny Gwata, Belgium-based Vusa Nyoni, Alexander Phiri, Chipo Tsodzo and Kenny “Dokoza” Msimanga to name a few.

In theatre, drama and music, some of the names that have made it big include Swaziland-based filmmaker Pedzisai Sithole, the late singer-cum-actress Beatar Mangete and the late Taurai Muswere among others.
Makokoba’s Amakhosi Township Square produced a number of artistes.

The success story of Makokoba will not be complete without internationally acclaimed Siyaya, led by Simon Mambazo whose home is just after Mazayi stream in Nguboyenja.
Now, Tshaka Youth Centre has produced one of the finest youngsters in the form of flyweight pugilist Sibanda.
The Pan-African World Boxing Association heavyweight champion Thamsanqa Dube also uses the Tshaka Youth Centre gym.

Veteran trainer Philip “Striker” Ndlovu is the man behind all boxers at Tshaka Youth Centre.
Sibanda spoke highly of his coach and said he was looking forward to conquering the world.
“I am 21 years old and the coach saw it proper      for me to turn pro after proving myself in the amateur rankings. Now I want to conquer here in Zimbabwe and I’m not afraid of anyone. I just want to fight and show everyone that I’m made for the ring.

“I will not allow anyone to stand between me and my destiny. I want to conquer the world and that is possible especially with coach Striker by my side,” said a bullish Sibanda.
The pencil slim boxer, probably another Mosquito (former Commonwealth winner Alfonso Zvenyika) has represented Zimbabwe a number of times at the Zone Six Games.

He was also a vital cog in Team Bulawayo for the Zimbabwe Youth Games as he brought in a number of medals from the competitions that he participated in.
Sibanda said discipline has been key to his success.
“What I learnt is that for one to survive and achieve his or her dreams one has to be disciplined. I know most people think that everyone who comes from Makokoba is stubborn but that is not true.

There are a lot of youngsters here who are disciplined.
“In boxing it is very important that one takes care of his health because before fighting you are tested for HIV and other diseases.

“If you fail the tests, then you will kiss the sport goodbye and that is why I want to stay clean,” said Sibanda.
He said he does most of his sparring with his friend and gym mate Meluleki Ngulube.
“Meluleki is a fine boxer, he is fast and enjoys the game. If you come to the gym and watch  our sparring sessions you will think that it’s a real right because we will be hitting each other hard.

“That is how we prepare and he (Meluleki) has also turned professional and that makes everything easy for us,” Sibanda said.
The Makokoba pugilist admires the Klitschko brothers — Vitali and Wladimir.
If he maintains his discipline, then the sky is the limit for Sibanda.