Gwanda will once again reaffirm its growing reputation as one of Zimbabwe's emerging boxing hubs when Powerhouse Boxing Academy stages its fourth national boxing tournament - in the same number of years - at Phoenix Tshisanyama on Saturday, July 11.

The tournament, which is expected to attract clubs and academies from across the country, carries significance far beyond the medals and trophies on offer. Organisers see it as a critical stepping stone towards assembling a strong Matabeleland South team for the 2026 Zimbabwe National Youth Games scheduled for August 20 to 26 in Marondera, Mashonaland East Province.

Competitors will undergo weigh-ins, medical examinations and matchmaking between 8am and 11am before the opening bout gets underway at 2pm.

Powerhouse Boxing Academy founder and tournament organiser Lloyd Mujibilikwa believes the event represents a major investment in the future of boxing in the province while simultaneously strengthening the campaign against drug and substance abuse among young people.

"This tournament is much bigger than just one day's boxing. Our primary objective is to identify the best talent in Matabeleland South and begin preparing a provincial team capable of competing strongly at the Zimbabwe National Youth Games. We want our young athletes to arrive in Marondera fully prepared and confident," said Mujibilikwa.

He said the academy was determined to build on the encouraging performance of Gwanda boxer Gweneth Nare, who represented Zimbabwe at last year's Africa Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia.

"Last year we managed to have one female boxer from Gwanda, Gweneth Nare, represent Zimbabwe at the Africa Region 5 Youth Games, and she performed very well. That achievement showed us what is possible when young people are given the right support and opportunities.

"This year our ambition is even greater. We want to produce more than two boxers who will qualify to represent Zimbabwe. We believe our province has the talent to compete successfully against the best young boxers from across the Africa Region 5 countries, and this tournament is part of that journey," he added.

Beyond talent identification, Mujibilikwa said boxing had become one of the most effective tools for steering vulnerable youths away from destructive lifestyles.

"As Powerhouse Boxing Academy, we recognise that sport plays a crucial role in society. Boxing teaches discipline, commitment, self-control and respect. These are the same qualities that help young people resist the temptation of drugs and substance abuse.

"When young people are training consistently, setting goals and working hard to improve themselves, they develop confidence and self-esteem. They begin to believe in their future. Sport gives them purpose, keeps them physically active and channels their energy into something productive instead of destructive behaviour."

He added: "Drug and substance abuse continue to threaten many communities, but sport offers hope. Every young person who chooses the gym instead of the streets becomes another success story. We want boxing to become a vehicle that transforms lives while creating opportunities for talented athletes in Gwanda and throughout Zimbabwe."

Mujibilikwa has thrown the tournament open to boxing clubs and academies from every province, saying the competition will also give other regions an opportunity to fine-tune their provincial champions ahead of the National Youth Games.

"We welcome every boxing club and academy in Zimbabwe to come and participate. The Youth Games are around the corner, and this tournament provides quality competition for everyone. Strong competition benefits every boxer because it exposes them to different styles and prepares them for the national stage."

Powerhouse Boxing Academy has steadily grown into one of Matabeleland South's most active development centres. The academy currently boasts 23 amateur boxers and two professionals under the guidance of Mujibilikwa, who remains an active professional boxer while also serving as a certified boxing coach, referee and judge.

Recognising that sustainable youth development requires broad community support, the academy is appealing to the corporate sector, institutions, local businesses and individuals to partner in expanding opportunities for aspiring boxers.

"We invite companies, business people, institutions and sponsors to join us in this mission. By investing in youth sport, they are investing in safer communities and brighter futures. Together we can keep more young people away from drugs while opening doors for them through boxing."

The tournament also reflects Gwanda's rich boxing heritage. The mining town has produced several accomplished fighters who have excelled nationally and beyond, among them the unbeaten professional Monica Mkandla, Cyril Kasinamwana, Wezi Chirwa and Mujibilikwa himself.

Gwanda's boxing pedigree has also attracted international attention over the years. Former IBF welterweight world champion Kell Brook once visited the mining town, where he conducted training sessions with aspiring boxers and shared his journey to the pinnacle of professional boxing.

During the visit, Brook encouraged the youngsters to dream big regardless of their background and pledged to lend a helping hand in supporting the development of boxing talent in Gwanda. His visit remains a source of inspiration for many of the province's upcoming fighters, reinforcing the belief that world-class champions can emerge from the town with the right guidance and opportunities.

The city's commitment to the sport has also been strengthened by the continued support of Gwanda Mayor, His Worship Thulani Moyo, whose annual boxing tournament has become an important platform for discovering and nurturing emerging talent.

Saturday's tournament is expected to provide another chapter in that proud tradition, with the next generation of champions hoping to punch their way into provincial colours and, ultimately, national honours.