The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
The late veteran boxing trainer and promoter, Philip “Striker” Ndlovu, has been described as a man with a very big heart, whose death has robbed Zimbabwe of a dedicated sports personality.
The legendary Ndlovu, who trained a number of boxing champions including Tamsanqa Dube and Elvis “Bomber” Moyo, died in Bulawayo on Thursday morning after succumbing to cancer.
He was 66.
The Zimbabwe National Wrestling and Boxing Control Board (ZNWBCB) paid tribute to the renowned trainer, who also produced former champions Nokuthula Tshabangu, Ambrose Mlilo, Modercai Donga and Sipho Moyo.
“It is with great sadness that we learnt of the death of renowned boxing coach, Philp ‘Striker” Ndlovu.
“A man with a very big heart and an unflinching passion for the sport of boxing.
“Zimbabwean boxing history will not be complete without mention of Philip ‘Striker’,” reads a statement from ZNWBCB.
“He fits perfectly well among the greatest coaches to emerge out of this country and his contributions towards sport and community development will forever be cherished.
“It is sad that we have lost a man who has given so much to the game of boxing and dedicated the greatest part of his life to the development of the youth. Even at the height of his illness, he remained resolute and his love of the game of boxing was unflinching and unparalleled.
“His death is a huge blow to the boxing fraternity and the country as whole. He left us at a time when his services were more critical as we looked towards reviving the game of boxing in all parts of the country.”
The late Ndlovu’s love for boxing saw him upgrading from coaching to boxing promotion in 2018.
He had a desire to bring world-class boxing tournaments to Bulawayo.
The ZNWBCB also described him as a “hero, father, mentor and coach.”
He was a very influential figure in boxing, as many boxers came out of Tshaka Youth Centre, where he was the resident coach.
Mourners are gathered at 42051/5 Ejingeni Flats in Makokoba, Bulawayo.
