Online Reporter
Gilbert Munetsi
FORMER IBF welterweight world champion Kell “Special K” Brook has pledged to help open international opportunities for Matabeleland South boxers after witnessing first-hand the conditions under which many of the province’s fighters train.
Brook toured boxing facilities in Gwanda on Monday and watched a sparring showcase involving athletes drawn from districts across the province. What he found impressed him and troubled him in equal measure.
The former world champion saw hunger, discipline and natural talent. He also saw fighters training with limited equipment, inadequate facilities and few opportunities to showcase their abilities beyond local competitions.
The visit, organised by Proma Events Africa in partnership with the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, included a courtesy call on Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe and brought together officials from the Ministry of Sport, Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, the Sports and Recreation Commission and the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board.
After watching boxers from districts including Beitbridge, Insiza and Gwanda in action, Brook said the province was producing talent despite operating under difficult circumstances.
“I’ve seen the passion here,” said Brook.
“These young athletes have real hunger and natural ability. What they need is safe training facilities, proper rings, qualified coaches and opportunities to compete on bigger stages. I will do what I can to help open doors and raise awareness of the talent in Matabeleland South.”
His remarks echoed concerns that have long surrounded boxing development in the province, where athletes often train in community halls, school grounds and makeshift facilities.
Minister Nguluvhe used the occasion to highlight both the province’s boxing potential and the challenges standing in its way.
“Mr Brook, siyakwemukela to Zimbabwe. Matabeleland South is a province of grit, resilience and fighters who refuse to quit,” he said.
“Today is historic because we welcome a former world champion who understands how discipline and sacrifice can transform a life.
“We have seven professional boxers licensed with the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board and close to 100 amateurs training in community halls, schoolyards and dusty rings with minimal equipment. The talent is here. The opportunity is not.”
Nguluvhe named Lloyd Mujubulikwa, Farai Makombe, Pritchard Dube, Wezi Chirwa, Clever Sithole, Thabani Gumbi and Monica Mkandla among the province’s professional fighters carrying Matabeleland South’s hopes.
The Minister also reflected on the recent death of Zimbabwean boxer Ndodana Ncube following injuries sustained in a bout in South Africa, saying the tragedy underlined the need for stronger athlete welfare systems.
“Ndodana’s story must push us to protect athletes and give them reason to stay and fight for Zimbabwe,” he said.
