Online Reporter
Innocent Kurira, [email protected]
THE Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) is ramping up preparations for a major boxing tournament scheduled for Beitbridge at the end of this month, with technical director Steven Masiyambumbi saying the event is part of efforts to spread the sport to all corners of the country and unearth fresh talent.
The tournament is expected to attract clubs from across Zimbabwe, with organisers targeting both upcoming amateur boxers and seasoned fighters eager to make their mark.
Masiyambumbi said the federation views the Beitbridge tournament as a strategic development platform aimed at strengthening grassroots boxing while also giving athletes competitive exposure.
“We are preparing for a big tournament in Beitbridge at the end of the month and everything is moving according to plan. Our main goal is to give boxers from different provinces a chance to compete and gain experience,” said Masiyambumbi.
“We want to continue decentralising boxing activities so that talent from border towns and remote areas is not left behind. Beitbridge has passionate boxing followers and we believe the tournament will help revive interest in the sport in that region.”
The experienced boxing official said the federation has intensified efforts to keep local boxers active through regular tournaments around the country.
“We have realised that for boxing to grow, athletes must remain active throughout the year. Competitions are very important because they help boxers improve technically and mentally,” he said.
Masiyambumbi added that the federation also hopes the tournament will help identify fighters who can represent the country at regional and international competitions in the future.
“We are always looking at building a strong pool of boxers for future international assignments. Every tournament gives us an opportunity to assess talent and monitor progress,” he said.
Zimbabwe has in recent years witnessed renewed activity in boxing, with tournaments being staged in various parts of the country as administrators push to revive the sport. Recent events in cities such as Mutare, Harare and Masvingo have drawn encouraging participation from both clubs and sponsors.
Masiyambumbi has been one of the leading figures driving the technical development of boxing in Zimbabwe. The decorated referee and judge has earned international recognition over the years, including officiating at major International Boxing Association events.
His growing stature on the global stage has also brought positive attention to Zimbabwean boxing administration and officiating.
“We are working hard as a federation to improve standards in local boxing. The future is bright if we continue creating opportunities for young fighters to compete regularly,” Masiyambumbi said.
The Beitbridge tournament is expected to feature several weight divisions and could also attract interest from boxing enthusiasts from neighbouring South Africa owing to the border town’s strategic location.
Organisers are optimistic that the event will not only provide entertainment but also inspire young athletes to take up boxing as a career and a disciplined way of life.
With preparations gathering momentum, the Beitbridge tournament is shaping up to be another important step in Zimbabwe boxing’s rebuilding process as the federation seeks to restore the sport’s prominence on the local sporting landscape.
