Andile Mickey Klaas
The Western Cape boxing community is mourning the passing of one of the longest serving members of Boxing South Africa (BSA), Andile Mickey Klaas.
The former Western Cape boxing boss had been battling ill-health for a while and died on Sunday.
Through current BSA Western Cape manager, Mzoli Tempi, the Western Cape boxing community extended heartfelt condolences to the Klaas family.
The man from Gugulethu was the inaugural provincial manager of the Western Cape after holding the post as the chairperson of the Western Cape Boxing Commission.
As commission chair, he had succeeded Cliff Dikeni and was representing the Western Cape on the South African Boxing Board Commission.
The commission was disbanded in 2000 by then minister of sport Ngconde Balfour forming Boxing SA.
It was then when Klaas transitioned into the role of the provincial manager, a position in which those in boxing community say he demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his tenure, guiding the province with distinction.
He held the position until 2020.
“His passion for boxing and commitment to the well-being of boxers occasionally led him to confrontations with superiors, a testament to his unwavering dedication,” said Tempi.
At the time of his passing, he served as a fight supervisor for the WBO in Africa, continuing to contribute to the sport he loved.