From cricket fields to boxing rings, Duayne Smith’s journey took an unexpected but empowering turn. Fueled by passion and a deep belief in the sport’s potential to change lives, he founded the Stellenbosch Boxing Association (SBA). More than just a club, SBA is dedicated to empowering amateur boxers and making the sport attainable for all.
With the goal to create real change, Smith founded the SBA and built it with three goals; “To get amateur boxers paid, to make the sport more accessible, and to make Stellenbosch the boxing capital of South Africa,” he shared. More than just a club, SBA is a movement that intertwines high performance sport with grassroots development, allowing aspiring boxers a space to grow, train and belong.
Beyond the ring, SBA also focuses on community and development. The club is registered as a non-profit organisation (SBA Giants NPO). They are building a network that uplifts not just individual fighters but the entire boxing ecosystem. “There are so many benefits to boxing, so I want to bring the benefits to the people,” said Smith.
Recent success for the SBA were five of their boxers participating in the Cape Winelands Regional Championships, with three of them making provincials, highlighting the club’s rising impact. More than anything, SBA is a reflection of Smith’s dream to build something meaningful, to be independent, and to attack the gap in the market for boxing.
Whether you’re aiming to become a professional boxer or to just boost your confidence in fitness, SBA welcomes everyone to be a part of the growing family. Smith shares, “If anyone would like to work with us, we would love to work with them.”
By Kezia Daniels
