The predicament of award-winning boxing trainer Khangelani Jack and his boxer Siphamandla Baleni, who are stranded in Singapore, is receiving attention from the South African government through the SA High Commission in that country.
Jack and Baleni have been stranded in Asia since the boxer’s loss to Filipino opponent Regie Suganob in the Philippines more than a week ago. They were due to have flown out of the Philippines via Doha, Qatar, last Sunday, but they couldn’t travel because of closed airspace in most Asian countries.
The airspace was closed after the United States of America (USA) and Israel attacked Iran something which messed up Jack and the former SA champion’s travelling arrangements.
They, however, finally flew out of Manila for Singapore on Saturday. Unfortunately, they couldn’t continue with their journey as they missed two connecting flights, which would have taken them to either Malaysia or Ethiopia before getting the last one to the OR Tambo International Airport.
“The ambassador called us late last night after she received an email from the Department of Sport. We looked for a hotel near the airport. Unfortunately, we couldn’t find rooms because all the hotels were fully booked,” Jack revealed.
Jack added: “The promoter has also found us a flight, which will leave on Wednesday. We are being taken care of. We are good and happy that we will finally leave for home on Wednesday. We are grateful to everyone who played a role in helping us.”
Floriezyl Podot from PMI Bohol Boxing Promotions said: “It’s very unfortunate for the Baleni team. They will be boarding on 11 March and hopefully the flight is okay.”
Initially, Jack and Baleni were stranded in Manila and spent more than 12 hours at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila before Podot booked them hotel rooms last Monday. – Monwabisi Jimlongo
