Chris Theko
Entertainers, stand-up comedian Bofihla ’Neko better known by his stage moniker, Lilaphalapha and dancer Halifele ‘Mavele’ Khoeli will exchange blows in a celebrity boxing match set for Victory Hall in Maseru this afternoon.
Lilaphalapha who is also a renowned actor, producer and director of the Sesotho comic series titled Lilaphalapha, made headlines early this month when he challenged Mavele to a boxing match.
Initially veteran musician Molibeli ‘Stlofa’ Mokake had challenged the actor to a bout which was duly accepted but which could not happen because of Stlofa’s health challenges.
“Well, Stlofa out of the blue challenged me and I bluntly accepted the challenge. But very unfortunately Stlofa got injured so we had to postpone,†Lilaphalapha said.
He said it was later that they decided to continue with the bout but with a different fighter hence he opted for Mavele.
“Because we had already created a lot of hype on social media, people became interested in it so I had to find another applicable contender and Mavele was the next available due to his physique,†he said.
This will not just be a normal fight as it will have other activities such as stand-up comedy and music galore from a host of musicians. The proceeds of the fight will be donated to the less privileged.
Mavele is a professional dancer, former radio DJ, a professional master of ceremonies, a wellness instructor and an Econet Telecom Lesotho brand ambassador.
“We are definitely going to punch each other. It is going to be an entertaining bout of excruciating each other. People should expect fun filled boxing match because we also have lots and lots of entertainment,†he said.
Other popular comedians including ’Makhubelu, Sir Matee, Spootnyk, Tieho Khaukhau, Goodenough and Leotoana are billed to perform alongside highlight musicians like Ntate Stunna, Malome Vector, Sentšo, Wave Rhyder and Mobstar among others.
Mavele who said coming into the fight he is seen as underdog has promised to bring his A-game and to eventually beat the Lilaphalapha.
“I am going to win this fight but I am not undermining anyone. Other people say Lilaphalapha is going to beat me because he is taller than me but that’s not the case in boxing. What counts most is technic and speed.
“I keep training everyday. Come see me on Friday, the strongest and fastest fighter in our history,†said Mavele.
The match happens in a fashion akin to one recently launched in neighbouring South Africa by entertainers when rapper Cassper Nyovest, challenged YouTuber Slik-Talk to a boxing bout after which he called-out another musician Naakmusic to a boxing match.
