Boxing South Africa and the boxing community at large are profoundly saddened by the passing away of Cape Town Promoter, Trainer, Manager, and businessman, Steve Kalakoda. Reports confirmed that the legendary Steve Kalakoda passed away on Monday afternoon, 06 October 2025, due to a heart attack.
Kalakoda, known for his passion, dedication, and unorthodox training methods, cut his teeth as a Trainer at Marry Athlete Centre in Retreat, where he trained the likes of Gilbert Booysens, John Jantjies, Timmy Benjamin, Deon Benjamin, Josh Cloete, his son Virgil Kalakoda, and Pro kickboxer, Mike Bernardo. He continued to work with the likes of Jan ‘The Giant’ Nortjie, Jokie Orebeholse, Andrew Thompson, Francois ‘White Buffalo’ Botha, Juan Le Roux, Ruaan Visser, and Osborne Masemani.
Through his promotion company, Kalakoda Promotions, in partnership with Jeremy Bean, they delivered a number of credible boxing tournaments across South Africa and the African continent, showing his unwavering passion for combat sport, particularly boxing. A coach and a mentor to many, Kalakoda has left a huge void in a sport he served for five decades, not only in South Africa but also in neighbouring countries like Namibia and Zimbabwe, including Ghana, Nigeria, and in Europe. He was well respected and highly regarded in boxing circles. He was also instrumental in the transformation of boxing in the Western Cape, where boxing was used as a tool to unite people of all races in the province at the dawn of democracy.
Kalakoda departs at the backdrop of the Western Cape having welcomed champions, a clear demonstration that boxing is on the rise in the province. His mentorship, knowledge, and eye for talent will be sorely missed. He passed on while actively reviving the career of Ruaan Visser and had vowed to make him an SA Heavyweight Champion once again, which was an exciting phenomenon for us to see the SA Heavyweight Champion taking greater strides.
To his wife, Nazema, daughter Shereen, and sons Virgil and Earl Kalakoda, we extend our deepest sympathies for the loss of your husband and father. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Please know that Boxing South Africa in its entirety is thinking of all of you during this incredibly difficult time.
Thank you, Champ, may your beautiful soul rest in peace, Steve!
Issued by,
Boxing SA
