From Mvurwi to the boxing ring: The determined jou...

From Mvurwi to the boxing ring: The determined journey of 15-year-old Tinotenda Benard

Patience Muchemwa

She started training boxing at the age of 14 after watching others doing the sport and realised how great it was to be a boxer.

The 15-year-old female boxer from Mvurwi, Tinotenda Benard, was born on May 19, 2008 in Mt Darwin.

Benard admired others doing the sport and decided to take it as a career to support her family.

“After watching others doing the sport, I realised how great it was to be a boxer. I also believed that I had talent in the sport and could take it as my career for my needs and the upkeep of my family, therefore I decided to pursue boxing.”

To keep moving in her career, she got inspiration from her coach and her mother who supported her even when everyone appeared against her choice.

“The greatest inspiration came from my coach. He inspired me to keep pressing on. My mom has also played a part in the journey from the moment she realised my love for the boxing ring. Her support during that time when almost everyone was against my decision is incomparable. She has lightened the burden on household chores to give ample time for me to focus on training and school work.”

Internationally, her role model is the late Muhammad Ali, by far the greatest boxer ever globally.

**Tinotenda Benard in action in the ring**

However her coach remains her daily role model.

Even though it is challenging to balance boxing training and school, the experience taught her to be responsible.

“Juggling training and school is always a challenge because I rarely find time to waste. However, experience has taught me that it is possible with determination and commitment.

“My day starts with the morning session from 0400 hours to 0500 hours then I return home to prepare for school. After school, I also go for the evening session between 1700 hours to 1800 hours after which I return home, do the mini household chores and get to studying.”

In five years from now, she expects to have upgraded to professional boxing, have attained the Female National Championship Title and representing the country at regional and international tournaments.

“Meanwhile, I also expect to have notable achievements in life to prove that through boxing, one can make a livelihood.”