Bloemfontein-based and long-time Boxing South Africa (BSA) referee Tsatsi Andrew Ncheche has passed away. He succumbed to ill-health on Thursday (14/08).
Kagisho Lekhela, spokesperson and one of the mentees of the legendary referee, said sport fraternities will pay tribute to Ncheche at a memorial service taking place today (Thursday at the Batho Community Hall, starting at 14:00.
Ncheche turned 77 in July. His contribution to sport spans decades, having served as a sport administrator under the then Bloemfontein City Council.
Boxing was his sport of choice, serving as referee and judge in both professional and amateur ranks for the South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO).
Ncheche represented South Africa at international conventions in the USA and participated in the transformation of boxing in SA, resulting in the formation of the current BSA. He was one of the representatives from the Free State (FS) that worked in boxing commissions with two late sports ministers, Steve Tshwete and Makhenkesi Stofile.
Ncheche was the only surviving, highly experienced referee in the FS after two revered referees, Sinton Tsekeletsa and Freddie Makhathini, passed away in 2007 and 2019, respectively. Ncheche is regarded as one of the pride and joy of FS-boxing ambassadors. He was among legends former Mangaung Metro executive mayor Thabo Manyoni had honoured for their contribution to transforming sport in the province.
Ncheche’s contribution towards sport include mentoring future administrators.
“He was a true legend of sport, and his achievements cannot be measured against anything. Yet he remained humbled despite his achievements. Throughout his life journey, he mentored many whom today are leaders in sport,” said Lekhela.
Soft-spoken Ncheche refereed numerous national title fights in SA and in the neighbouring countries, Lesotho, Botswana and Namibia.
“Ncheche’s decision-making was never questionable in boxing and an administrative point of view. His reasoning process stood out from the rest. Ncheche’s experience and knowledge illustrated his passion for sport,” said Joseph Lenka, boxing trainer.
