Zim boxing star Ncube dies after weeks in coma in a SA hospital

THE local boxing fraternity is mourning former national Super Featherweight champion Ndodana “The Black Hammer” Ncube, a gifted pugilist described by some as “a hard-hitting warrior”.

Ncube died in the early hours of yesterday in South Africa, where he had been in the intensive care unit (ICU) for nearly two months.

He was 28.

Ncube had been in a coma since March 27, when he collapsed in the ring soon after winning against Lunga Stimela in Middelburg, South Africa.

He leaves behind a record of 11-8-3.

The Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board (ZNBWCB), together with the Ministry of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, extended their condolences yesterday.

“His passing on is a profound loss to the boxing fraternity, the wider sporting community and the nation at large,” wrote the ZNBWCB.

“Ndodana will be remembered for his dedication, courage, discipline and contribution to the sport of boxing in Zimbabwe.

“From the time of his injury, which occurred during a match, Government, through the ministry and the ZNBWCB, remained fully committed to ensuring he received the best possible medical care and support.”

ZNBWCB added: “The Government also acknowledges and appreciates the support extended by Boxing South Africa, medical teams, promoters and all stakeholders who stood with Ndodana and his family during his treatment.

“The ministry and the ZNBWCB Board remain committed to strengthening athlete welfare, safety standards and medical preparedness in combat sports.”

Veteran boxing administrator and founder of Juluka Boxing Academy Thomas Kambuyi trained Ncube at some point in his career.

To Kambuyi, Ncube was an inspiration to young boxers.

“Ndodana’s power, courage and work ethic embodied the spirit of Hwange and Zimbabwean boxing,” he said.

“As his former trainer under the Mau Mau stable, I had the privilege of working closely with him during his time with the promotions company.

“He left at the expiry of his contract to pursue his career as a freelance boxer, but the discipline and fighting spirit he carried remained unchanged. We are truly taken aback and devastated by his passing away.”

Renowned boxing promoter Stalin Mau Mau is still to come to terms with Ncube’s death.

“Black Hammer, rest in power Vhudzijena,” he said. “Very sad indeed. Ndodana’s name will remain etched in Zimbabwe boxing history.

“I am happy to have been part of your boxing journey.”

Ncube turned professional in style on March 10, 2018, when he knocked out Tranos Zihove at Raylton Sports Club.

He would go on to win the national Super Featherweight belt later that year.

Ncube had a shot at the African Boxing Union title, but lost to Namibian Flame Nangolo in 2022.

Earlier reports from South Africa indicated that Ncube had appeared to be on the mend before he lost the battle yesterday.

According to The Sowetan newspaper reports last month, doctors reported positive response from Ncube after he had undergone a head operation.

At Witbank Hospital in eMalahleni, he was under the close supervision of doctors. This followed a head operation performed on March 28, a day after he had competed, under the promotion of Ilanga Boxing Promotions.

The newspaper quoted Boxing South Africa (BSA) Mpumalanga manager Oupa Lubisi confirming the incident, while ZNBWCB stated back then that Ncube had been cleared to fight and had passed all required medical examinations.

Although Ncube won the fight by majority decision, the ZNBWCB confirmed that he was initially taken to hospital as a precautionary measure.

Lubisi explained that Ncube began vomiting in the toilet shortly after changing out of his fighting gear.

Lubisi, a former South African boxer from Middelburg, who retired in 2005, said he immediately alerted ringside doctors and paramedics.

He added that after the tournament ended, he personally went to the hospital and found Ncube in the ICU.

When he returned on Saturday, Ncube had been transferred to Witbank Hospital, where a CT scan was conducted.

Doctors later performed surgery on his head and Lubisi confirmed that he received a call indicating that the operation had been successful.

Ncube was returned to the ICU for observation and he remained under care there.

On March 31, BSA chief executive officer Tsholofelo Lejaka reportedly visited Ncube alongside chief operations officer Mandla Ntlanganiso.

Lubisi suggested that significant impact on Ncube’s head may have occurred during the eighth round of the bout.