Following years of discipline, hard work, and successful bouts to become the Western Cape Provincial Champion, Khayelitsha-born boxer Kaya Mlata recently won the WBC Youth Super Bantamweight World Championship. In doing so, he earned global recognition for himself and national pride for South Africa. But while all the world’s his stage right now, Kaya has chosen to return home with a clear purpose.
At Khayelitsha Boxing Academy, he’s training young talent from the township. For kids from broken homes or off the street, kids whose lives lack structure, kids who have both experienced and perpetuated cycles of violence, and kids who are vulnerable to negative influences, a place like this is the antidote – offering safety, structure, and support. With Kaya at the helm, they’re learning to fight back in a way that betters themselves and others.
One of Kaya’s youngest protégés is Nhlanhla Dube. He dreams of fame and fortune beyond his circumstances. It’s why he got into boxing, to be like his heroes. But first, he must master the unlikely traits of a good fighter – kindness, compassion, respect. He’s well on his way, spending each training session alongside Kaya to better himself.
Going beyond just technique, Kaya is teaching kids like Nhlanhla the value of self-esteem and good character. It reflects in their faces as they line up to train, and shows in the quiet confidence in which they deliver each blow – despite their pint-sized stature. “There will be a world champion in this gym,” Kaya affirms. From defending his titles to protecting the next generation, this boxer is building a legacy beyond the ring.
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