Zimbabwe Boxing Ends 32-Year African Medal Drought in Kinshasa

Zimbabwean boxing has returned to the African Elite Championships podium for the first time in 32 years, after Blessing Sibanda and Christian Ndlovu won bronze medals at the 2026 IBA African Elite Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo.

The two medals ended a continental drought stretching back to 1994, when Zimbabwe won three bronze medals at the African Elite Boxing Championships in Johannesburg.

Minimumweight boxer Blessing Sibanda produced a courageous campaign before losing in the semi-finals to Botswana’s Molatlhegho Kobamelo, who went on to win silver.

Christian Ndlovu also reached the last four in the light-middleweight division, where his impressive run was ended by Democratic Republic of Congo’s home favourite, Disasui Yenge.

The achievement was particularly significant given that Zimbabwe entered the championships with only two boxers, yet both returned with medals from a tournament dominated by host nation DR Congo, who claimed 17 of the 25 gold medals on offer.

Zimbabwe’s success also carried a powerful historical connection. National team coach Alexander Kwangwari was one of the three Zimbabwean boxers who won bronze at the 1994 championships in Johannesburg, competing in the light-middleweight division alongside heavyweight Ezwell Ndlovu and the late light-heavyweight Daliso Lungu.

Thirty-two years later, Kwangwari returned to the continental stage — this time in the corner as coach — and helped guide a new generation of Zimbabwean fighters onto the podium.

Zimbabwe Boxing Federation president Festus Dumbu congratulated the two fighters, saying they had restored national pride and signalled Zimbabwe’s return among Africa’s competitive boxing nations.

“Blessing Sibanda and Christian Ndlovu have represented Zimbabwe with distinction, flown our national flag high and demonstrated the discipline, commitment and fighting spirit that define our nation,” Dumbu said.

“This achievement carries even greater historical significance because of the man who was leading our team from the corner.

"Thirty-two years later, Coach Kwangwari has once again been part of Zimbabwe’s continental success, this time guiding our athletes as national team coach,” Dumbu said.

He described the medals as more than podium finishes.

“These two bronze medals are more than just podium finishes. They represent the resilience of Zimbabwean boxing, the potential within our athletes and the progress we are determined to build upon.

“They also send a strong message that Zimbabwe belongs among Africa’s competitive boxing nations.”

The ZBF president said the federation would now focus on strengthening development structures, talent identification, athlete preparation and creating more international competition opportunities for Zimbabwean boxers.

He also thanked the Government of Zimbabwe, sporting stakeholders, partners and supporters for their continued backing of the sport.

“To Blessing Sibanda and Christian Ndlovu, congratulations, champions! You have ended a 32-year wait and inspired a new generation of Zimbabwean boxers.

“To Coach Alexander Kwangwari, thank you for carrying forward the legacy of Zimbabwean boxing, from the ring in 1994 to the corner in 2026,” added the president, declaring, "the drought is broken; the journey continues.”