Gugulethu boxing stalwart remembered
Tributes are pouring in for Gugulethu boxing referee Nqabisile ‘Bra Cat’ Nokati who died in hospital after a short illness last Friday, November 22.
Clubs, presidents, coaches and boxers that knew him from as far as Sterkstroom in the Eastern Cape remembered Nokati, who dedicated his life to the boxing fraternity.
President of the South African National Boxing Organisation, Siyabulela Mkhwalo, said Nokati, born in 1964, made his mark on the sport.
“We wish to express our shock to the passing of our national technical official. Mr Nokati has been consistently honouring the call of officiating during the national championships. He has made a visible mark in our fraternity. We will certainly miss his contribution and wish him a peaceful rest. May the Almighty God be with his family and friends during this difficult period,” he said.
Vice-president of South African National Boxing Organisation (SANABO) Western Cape, Mdingi Mvemve said Nokati was well known for grooming provincial champions as the owner of Nyanga Boxing Club.
“I know him by liaising with him as the vice-president. My first fight when I arrived here in Cape Town was refereed by him, dressed in all white. He stays close to me. When I go to tournaments or meetings we’d travel together,” he said.
“English was not his strong point but Bra Cat would tell you if something written was nonsense. He would go to County Fair and come back with a sponsor. He groomed champions,” said Mvemve.
A memorial service will be held to celebrate the life of Nokati at the Zolani Centre in Nyanga, at 10am, on Saturday, November 30.
