National boxing team coach worried about preparati...

National boxing team coach worried about preparations ahead of continental games

Alexander Kwangwari | Covid-19 Solidarity message from Olympian Alexander Kwangwari. | By Zimbabwe Olympic Committee | Facebook — **Alex Kwangwari**

Zimbabwe national amateur boxing team head coach Alexander Kwangwari says despite uncertainty over camp for his boxers, he remains optimistic his charges will deliver at the forthcoming African Boxing Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon, which begin on July 25.

Zimbabwe will head to the continental sports fiesta with a contingent that comprises 10 boxers - seven male and three female - and three coaches.

Kwangwari, who has previously had to host boxers on national duty at his Zengeza home, spoke about the need for government and the corporate sector to come to their aide as they were targeting nothing short of gold.

“We are optimistic we will bring gold and the accompanying US$20 000 prize money. But at the moment we are short of a proper environment for training, hence our appeal to the relevant authorities to come to our rescue.

“When we travelled to Uzbekistan for the World Championships two months ago, we did our best regardless of inadequate preparation, falling in Round 10 of the games and just one short of the quarter finals.

A tournament was held in Victoria Falls on June 17 to erase ring rust among the boxers and prepare for impending continental championships which so far have 37 confirmed entries.

The tournament will provide the boxers with a potentially life-changing opportunity due to the enticing cash prizes for the winners.

According to the International Boxing Association, the sponsorship of the tournament is meant to transform the lives of African boxers and others worldwide through attractive prize money in all future tournaments.

Boxers

Hillary Josamu (Harare), Stephen Marusenga (Masvingo), Luckmore Kamoto (Harare), Tick Mudenda (Matabeleland North), Lwazi Mpofu (Bulawayo), Mpendulo Donga (Bulawayo), Anesu Motsi (Masvingo), Agnes Kwashi (Harare), Hilda Kaye (Bulawayo), Caroline Dube (Bulawayo)