Boxing champion returns to Alberton
Reflecting on a day when Alberton Boxer became the first Springbok boxing champion.
ALBERTON – Charlemagne Sam, also known as Charles or Charl (76), was born and bred in Alberton, a Springbok boxing champion who lived in 1 Penzance Street, New Redruth, on the premises of the Alberton motor scrap yard, where he and his eight siblings enjoyed spending time together.
In his early days at age six Charles attended boxing at the Alberton Boxing Club and participated in several types of sport including water polo, swimming, athletics and soccer with his siblings. His eldest sister and brother have recently passed away. He has two sons of which Noel (53) runs SOS enterprises in Deneysville (Vaal Dam) and Wayne (52) is a sales manager for Steve’s Auto Clinic in Midrand.
Back when Alberton Primary was still known as Alberton English Medium school, Charlemagne participated in the football team, did scholar patrol in 1950 and he was the first head boy in 1951.
He achieved the honour of being Alberton’s first Springbok in 1958 at the British Empire Commonwealth Games in Wales. He also worked at Ford Motor Company during the 1950’s and was the manager in 1959.
Contact Charlemagne on 072 366 6831 should you wish to be in contact with him. Share your history story with us. Icons deserve a place in our newspaper; share with pierrek@caxton.co.za or mhefer@caxton.co.za or call us on 011 724 7000.
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