Blessing Nduku & Elinciya Witman
The Midlands Boxing Association (MBA) has successfully hosted a high-stakes provincial tournament at City Gate in Kwekwe that culminated in the selection of 11 promising boxers who will represent the province at the upcoming national championships.
The tournament drew participation from various clubs across the province, offering a platform for talent identification and team selection.
Speaking to these reporters, the MBA Chairperson, Mr. Goodwill Sibanda stated that the event was also meant to strengthen grassroots participation and prepare fighters for higher-level exposure.
“We had several clubs that participated, and the turnout was very impressive. Our goal was
not only to select a team but also to promote boxing development across the province.”
Sibanda went on to state that as MBAs they managed to get a sponsor who is going to sponsor the team till they go for finals.
“So far, we managed to get a sponsor who is going to sponsor our guys with camping materials, which include full boxing kits, accommodation, food, and everything they will need. We would like to expand our gratitude to Honourable Matiza, who is sponsoring the boys with what I mentioned earlier. The tournament, which attracted a competitive lineup of amateur boxers from across the province and was held to assess skill, fitness, and readiness for national-level competition.”
Mr Sibanda went on to say that as a province, they do have a challenge of getting sponsors
and that they pray to get more sponsors like Hon Matiza.
“Just like any other sport, we do have challenges that we face as MBAs; these include sponsors who sponsor our local teams. These local teams are self-sponsored, and at times these boxers fail to attend their matches because of a lack of finances.”
“We want to thank Hon Matsika, who has been sponsoring us. Our boys are going to get full kit uniforms from tracksuits to shoes the courtesy of City Gate, and we pray that we get more sponsors like Hon, who wishes nothing but making sure that talent does not go to waste.”
Coach of Cheeky Tigers, Mr Victor Sibanda, expressed how proud he is of two of his boxers who made it to the final 11.
“I am extremely proud of all our boxers, but having two of them selected to represent the province at the national level is a huge achievement, and it shows the hard work and discipline these young, talented boxers have put in. My fellow coaches can agree with me that we are very confident that all our boxers will MBA selected 11 for the MBA at the Provincial tournament
make Midlands proud.”
The selected 11 boxers emerged after a series of tightly contested bouts that showcased talent and technical prowess, and categories ranged from flyweight to heavy
weight.
Among those who stood out were Arnold Ncube (Bantum), Mkonto Innocent (Feather),
Joshua Ngwenya (Light), William Pesanai (Light Welter), Blessed Dache (Welter), Merlic Raymond (Light middle, Munashe Tsuma (Middle), Darlington Muregwi (Light Heavy), Masimba Gonese (Cruiser), Brian Rogers (Super Heavy), and Anesu Shava (Light
Welter female)
