Former IBF welterweight world champion Kell “Special K” Brook visited Gwanda today and pledged support for Matabeleland South’s emerging boxing talent after a tour of local training sites and witnessing a sparring session by invited boxers from the province.

Brook’s visit — organised by Proma Events Africa in partnership with the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy — included a courtesy call on the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe.

Also present was town clerk Thulani Moyo, as well as officials from the Ministry of Sport, the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Sports and Recreation Commission, and the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board.

From Gwanda, Brook proceeded to Masvingo where he will partake a tour of the Great Zimbabwe monuments.

Local conditions impressed and concerned the former champion. Brook was told that many promising fighters train without proper facilities — some even practise in the bush — and that the province lacks gyms, boxing rings, equipment and regular medical and financial support.

“I’ve seen the passion here,” Brook said after watching a sparring session with boxers from five districts, including Beitbridge, Insiza and Gwanda.

“These young athletes have real hunger and natural ability. What they need is safe training facilities, proper rings, coaches and opportunities to fight on bigger stages. I will do what I can to help open doors and raise awareness of the talent in Matabeleland South.”

Minister Nguluvhe welcomed Brook and used the occasion to outline the province’s boxing profile, its gaps and a call for partnerships under the Devolution agenda.

“Mr Brook, siyakwemukela to Zimbabwe. Matabeleland South is a province of grit, resilience, and fighters who refuse to quit. Today is historic because we welcome a former world champion who understands how discipline and sacrifice can transform a life.

“We have seven professional boxers licensed with the ZNBWCB — Lloyd Mujubulikwa, Farai Makombe, Pritchard Dube, Wezi Chirwa, Clever Sithole, Thabani Gumbi and Monica Mkandla — and close to 100 amateurs training in community halls, schoolyards and dusty rings with minimal equipment. The talent is here; the opportunity is not,” said the Minister.

Nguluvhe paid tribute to the late Ndodana Ncube, a Zimbabwean fighter who recently died after a ring injury in South Africa, and argued the tragedy must spur improvements in athlete protection:

“Ndodana’s story must push us to protect athletes and give them reason to stay and fight for Zimbabwe.”

The Minister set out specific priorities for partners and government under the Devolution programme: establishment of one dedicated combat-sports gym in Matabeleland South to serve multiple districts, sponsorship to grow purses and sustain the Annual Mayor’s Boxing Event in Gwanda, and provision of medical insurance and travel support for the province’s professionals and amateurs.

Proma Events Africa’s chief executive Blessing Jeke, who invited Brook in partnership with the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, described the emotional impact of the visit and underscored the need for infrastructure.

“We visited the high school that produced our number-one boxer and we met Monica Mkandla’s mother and father, Sithembiso and Melusi Ndebele, her former headmaster at Gwanda High, Athur Maphosa  and her old coaches.

“Kell and the team were moved seeing how poor the facilities are — no proper ring and no shelter. It was emotional. Together, under Devolution, we are building stronger rings in Mat South so the next generation does not almost miss Region 5 due to lack of support, so Monica can become world champion, and so that boy and girl in Beitbridge and Insiza get their shot.”

Jeke also highlighted Monica Mkandla’s achievements as proof of potential: she is ranked number one in the SADC region and sits at 14 in the world, and now trains in South Africa. Jeke said the delegation visited Monica’s former school and boxing club and met local coaches and families to witness conditions first-hand.

The visit showcased several local success stories: Monica Mkandla, professionally based in South Africa and the province’s top-ranked boxer; and other prominent pros from Matabeleland South such as Wezi Chirwa and Lloyd Mujubulikwa. The delegation watched local boxers spar as part of the programme, further underlining the depth of grassroots interest despite limited resources.

Brook’s promise to assist focused on exposure and opportunity as immediate interventions.

“A single fight on an international stage can change a life. If I can help one boxer from Mat South get that shot — through introductions, promotion or raising awareness — that would be a start. These communities just need a platform and safe environments to develop.”

Officials present emphasised public-private partnership as the model to deliver sustainable change. The Minister thanked local benefactors who have supported athletes in individual cases, and urged corporate sponsors, government departments and local authorities to back a structured plan that includes a regional gym, event sponsorship and athlete welfare cover.

From Gwanda, Brook continued to Masvingo for a tour of the Great Zimbabwe monuments before returning to his schedule. Proma Events Africa and the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy said they will follow up with concrete proposals and a plan for leveraging Brook’s networks to secure opportunities for at least one Matabeleland South boxer on the international stage.

Contacted after the engagement, Brook reiterated: “I’ve been where they are. If talent, discipline and heart are the base, then the rest is about creating pathways. I’m ready to help push that pathway forward.”