The Roygri Boxing Project continues to register tangible gains, with nine boxers having successfully transitioned into the professional ranks and now set to benefit from regional exposure after receiving invitations to compete in a Zambian tournament scheduled for March this year.

Project director and head coach Roy Archibald said the milestones achieved so far had been made possible through strategic partnerships forged with Mvurwi Town Council and Lighthouse College, arrangements he believes are transforming boxing into a powerful social and economic intervention for youths in the farming town and surrounding areas.

“We realised very early that boxing alone is not enough. Young people need opportunity, structure, education and a future beyond the ring,” said Archibald. “That is why the partnerships with Mvurwi Town Council and Lighthouse College are so critical. They allow us to expand our reach, improve facilities and give these young athletes real life skills that will sustain them long after their boxing days.”

Under the tripartite partnership, Roygri Boxing Club will benefit from increased financial and infrastructural support, enabling the expansion of programmes to absorb more youths, particularly those vulnerable to drug and substance abuse. The collaboration also opens pathways for boxers to engage in vocational training, including welding, as a means of creating alternative income streams.

“This partnership is about empowerment,” Archibald explained. “Some of our boxers may not become world champions, but they will leave this programme disciplined, skilled and able to earn a living. That is the real victory.”

The club has also intensified its use of competitive boxing as a tool for social messaging. In December alone, Roygri hosted two major tournaments on December 6 and 23, attracting more than a dozen boxing clubs from across the country. The events formed part of a sustained campaign to combat drug and substance abuse among young people.

“Every tournament we host is more than just boxing,” said Archibald. “We deliberately bring youths together under themes that challenge them to make better choices. Boxing gives them purpose, structure and discipline, and when young people are busy training and competing, they are less likely to fall into drugs.”

The second December tournament ran under the theme “Scaling Up Against Drug Abuse” and was attended by Lighthouse College director Professor Nyakudya and his wife, Dr Shelly Nyakudya, who also serves as secretary for Mvurwi Town Council.

Archibald paid tribute to the Nyakudyas and the local authority for their unwavering support.

“We are extremely grateful to Professor Nyakudya, Dr Nyakudya and Mvurwi Town Council for believing in this vision,” he said. “Their presence alone sends a strong message to our youths that the community values them and wants to invest in their future.”

Professor Nyakudya donated a welding machine to the club and committed to offering free academic lessons to selected trainees as part of Lighthouse College’s contribution to the partnership. He also provided financial support by donating US$100 to each participating club.

“For us, this is a game-changer,” Archibald added. “It means our boxers can train, learn a trade, and even pursue academic growth under one programme. These partnerships are not just supporting boxing; they are helping us fight drug abuse, unemployment and hopelessness at the same time.”

With regional competition beckoning and community support growing, Roygri Boxing Project is steadily positioning itself as a model for grassroots sport-driven development in Zimbabwe.