The Epworth Local Board Hall this Saturday, October 14, reverberates into boxing life with a grand amateur tournament being hosted by a local club, Juluka Boxing Academy, in conjunction with its partners that include the local authority, Epworth Local Board.
Musical entertainment will be provided by artists from the vicinity – Automan Musoja and Madzibaba Teaspoon.
Other stakeholders of the day-long extravaganza are Mr Bulk Water, Et Cetera Media and the Zimbabwe National Boxing Control Board which - though it has a mandate to serve professional boxing - also bears a vision is to see the sport develop from the grassroots.
The event will also see sons of the populous suburb - who have raised its flag high nationally, continentally and globally - get recognition in the form of awards, while some personalities from the sporting discipline who have played a part even outside of the boxing ring also stand to be acknowledged.
One of the organisers who also doubles as a director and coach at the host stable, Thomas Kambuyi, said it was high time those that have made the sport great be honoured.
“According to William Shakespeare, ingratitude is the vilest weed that ever grew. It is not a secret at all that over the years, there are people that have toiled to lift and sustain boxing in this country and yet they remain pale shadows of their great efforts.
“While we still have some with us, others are late and as Juluka Boxing Academy, we have taken it upon ourselves to thank them, even post-humously, for having taken us thus far.
“So we have lined up a good number of amateur bouts that Harare will also take advantage of, to select those that will represent the province at a Championships tournament scheduled for end of the month.
“And, of-course, capping the fun-filled day that begins at noon will be the awards segment which has also been made possible by well-wishers, some of whom are sons of Epworth,” Kambuyi said, adding they had received hosting blessings from the Harare Province Boxing Association which he also heads.
Epworth is home to many boxers, some of whom have gone on to become African and, indeed global champions. More than two decades ago, Kambuyi produced a young team that went on to reap gold medals at the National Youth Games at its inception and some of these are still actively involved in boxing.
The team then comprised the likes of Ronnie Mbeta, Peter Pambeni, Brightmore Chabata, Chamu Nyamasoka and Tawanda Chigwida, among others.
Pambeni has since gone on to claim the World Boxing Organisation-Africa title while Chigwida and others have relocated to South Africa where they continue to do well. Even the current WBF world champion Charles Manyuchi and former WBC champion KudaChiwandire have passed through and had a feel of the Epworth ring.
Shepherd Mudzamiri, the Epworth Sports Association chairman said there is also a good number of outstanding athletes in karate who will be honoured on the day.
He said the suburb, the fourth largest in terms of population, has given birth to footballers who include Ronald Chitiyo and Danai Bhobho (Simba Bhora and Simba Stars respectively); Emmaculate Mauna, Munyaradzi Mawadza and Blessing Kagudu (Triangle); Geoffrey Chitsumba (Manica Diamonds); Jaravaza Wengi (Bulawayo Chiefs); Bellington Damson (Bulawayo City) and Danmore Dausi (Motor Action).
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