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Monalisa Zireki Sibanda and Madzibaba Tinofirei Simon of Johanne Masowe WeChishanu Nyenyedzi Nomwe were legally married on Tuesday at the Harare Magistrates’ Courts.
The two did their nuptials after three years of living together.
The bride Sibanda briefly cast aside her boxing gloves for a white wedding gown while the groom donned a dark designer suit instead his of usual white robes.
Madzibaba Simon, leader of the shrine in Kuwadzana, said he is happy with the route he has taken with his boxer-wife and the couple is planning to bless their marriage in church.
“We should be having another ceremony at the Church but this cannot be done for now because we have to attend a week-long Church gathering in Chiweshe.
“The Church meeting is starting on Monday and maybe after that, we can plan on a date for the rituals,” said Simon yesterday.
While for some men the notion of taking a bodybuilding champion and boxer for a wife could be intimidating, it’s not so much for Simon, the man of God.
“Her boxing is for the ring and when she is at home she is my wife,” said Simon.
In fact, Simon said he is now his wife’s number one fan and supporter.
“I give her all the support. Talent is in-born and it’s a gift from God, so it needs me as her partner to be supportive,” said Simon.
The Sect leader said: “I wish and hope that all men and women could be able to support their partners and children’s talents.
“These talents like in sports are God-given and need to be cherished,” said Simon.
The couple has been blessed with a child Tatenda who is a year and five months old although the two also have children whom they are raising together, from previous relationships.
Simon conducts his business at a shrine located between Kuwadzana 7 and Kuwadzana Extension while Sibanda is also a follower of her husband’s sect.
The pugilist goes by the name Madzimai Marytions when she is doing her wifely duties to the high priest at the shrine.
“I have another name at the Church which is different from the boxing ring,” said Sibanda.
The 28-year-old boxer said putting a wedding ring on her finger had been one of her dreams in life and now it is no longer a fairy tale.
“Having a white wedding is a dream come true for me.
“Today (Tuesday) is the happiest day of my life and I thank God for making my dream come true,” she said.
Sibanda said it had been their plan to formalise their relationship with a wedding and was happy that after three years that wish had been realised.
Interestingly, Sibanda is currently preparing to take a crack at the World International Boxing light welterweight belt against Zambia’s Esther Phiri.
“One of my dreams has been to have a white wedding and I am very happy the dream has come true.
“The other dream is to win a world championship belt and I am working towards that
“This is my year and God is with me,” she said. Sibanda was raised by her grandmother in Mabvuku and the old woman was at the court on Tuesday to witness the occasion.
“My grandmother raised me because I am an orphan but I have made her happy today.
“Everyone is happy for me,” Sibanda said.
Sibanda is upbeat on her chances of beating Phiri.
Twice before, Sibanda has beaten Phiri in non-title fights but now the Zambian pugilist has made tremendous progress under the tutelage of Anthony Mwamba of Exodus Boxing Promotions.
Sibanda and Phiri were expected to fight at the Mulungushi Conference Centre on Saturday but the bout has been postponed indefinitely after the Zambia boxer sustained an injury during training this week.
But Sibanda and her handlers are not buying this.
“It’s just a plot to distract me from training.
“I spent three months in South Africa and had access to better training facilities but now I am back home were I am struggling to keep up. I was hoping the fight was on August 20 as planned but I will not lose heart.
“My husband had been very supportive for the three months I spent in camp while I am also always behind him as he does God’s work.
“He has supported me financially and morally.”
Online Reporter