Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube, [email protected]
The Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) may miss this year’s continental qualifiers to be hosted in Namibia next week as they have failed to raise almost US$20 000 for transport, accommodation, and food.
“This is a Herculean task lying ahead of us. We have not yet given up, as there is still a week to go. This is an important event for our boxers, coaches and judges. We need to periodically gauge where we are by participating at events such as this one,” said Arvian Mathe, the ZBF secretary-general.
He said his association was carrying a begging bowl, hoping Good Samaritans would rescue their trip and allow their boxers to go and have a go.
“We are travelling simply and will look for basic accommodation and meals for our boxers to get exposure, which they so much need,” said Mathe.
He said their intention was to send a team of 13 males and 12 females, which is the expectation at all Zone Four Championships. Zone Four is the equivalent of the Africa union Sports Council Region Five.
“We have had to make serious considerations on our travelling party, and we hope we can just take a total of 15 boxers. These are those that we feel are medal contenders in both men’s and women’s boxing,” said Mathe.
He said their intention, apart from coaches and judges who have duties to perform there, was to take four from each to go for One and Two Star courses there.
“This would have been a perfect time for our boxers to attend Star One and Star Two coaching and judging courses. These will run on the sidelines of the tournament,” said the ZBF secretary-general.
He said the tournament will serve as a qualifier for a continental championship, most likely to be hosted by the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“We have found DRC to be central in the continent, and there has been a strong suggestion that the African Championships be held there,” he said.
Mathe said the date of the continental event hinges on the Olympic qualifiers to be hosted by Senegal.
“Senegal will be hosting the Africa Olympic qualifiers, so the other competition dates will be set once the dates of the Dakar event are out,” said Mathe.
The Namibia (Katima Mulilo) Championships will be held from May 11-17.The Zimbabwe boxers have continued preparing at their various clubs around the country.
“Those in Bulawayo have been working out at Tshaka Youth Centre Gym,” said Mathe.
Bunjiwe Mkwananzi