Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
UNDER normal circumstances, talented boxer Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire would have been preparing for another international title fight.
Chiwandire had also become a key player for Northern Region Women’s Soccer League side Scottland Queens, where she had been handed the captaincy before she was grounded by a horrific injury.
The 28-year-old boxer-cum-footballer suffered a double fracture during a football match between Scottland Queens and Harare City Queens three weeks ago.
She has undergone surgery and had a metal rod inserted into her leg.
As a result of her injury, Chiwandire will now miss the African Boxing Union SADC Super Bantamweight title fight against Sharadene Fortuin of South Africa, which had been scheduled for August 23 at the Country Club in Harare.
Chiwandire’s fight was pencilled in to be the headline bout on the night that will also see former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi taking on Sam Madanhire in a high-stakes heavyweight clash.
A former WBC Interim Super Bantamweight champion and Scottland Queens captain, Chiwandire has spoken about her demise.
She told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday that she will not give up in the face of adversity.
“I will not lose hope, it’s not the end of the world.
“This injury will make me stronger, when I come back I will be hungrier.
“One thing is for sure, I am not quitting sport,” said the multi-talented athlete.
Chiwandire was last involved in competitive boxing in December last year, when she lost on points in Russia, before trading her gloves for her other love — football.
She had become a key figure at Scottland Queens before the injury.
“Yes, it is painful this injury came at a time I was bracing for a boxing title fight on August 23.
“There was also another title fight being lined up for me in November.
“But it is what it is. Injuries happen in every sport, even in boxing there are injuries, worse still deaths.
“The good thing is Scottland Queens are taking care of me. Scottland are not a small team, they are a big project for women’s football and they have been assisting me well,” revealed Chiwandire.
She rose to international prominence when she wrestled the WBC Interim Super Bantam-weight belt from the more fancied Catherine Phiri of Zambia in February 2022.
Chiwandire defended her title against Zulina Munoz of Mexico later that year.
She then made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean to fight for a WBC gold belt when she lost on points against world champion Yamileth Mercado of Mexico in Chihuahua in March 2023.
Since then, her boxing career has taken a downturn as most of those that were lined up for ended up being postponed.
Now, she has to wait a little longer before she can step back into the ring, following a leg injury.
Chiwandire remains defiant.
“I want to promise my fans that this is not the end. Injuries are part of our job. What happened to me can happen to any other person.
“I think this will trigger my rise. I want support from my fans so that I come back stronger.
“I do not need to lose hope with life. My leg will heal. I am recovering very fast and soon I will be back in the ring.
“It’s not easy being where I am today. Being the Scottland Queens captain and a former WBC Interim champion.”
Her coach and manager, Clyde Musonda, is also hopeful that Chiwandire will rise again.
“She has got the talent, one of the best female boxers in the world, so no doubt, she will bounce back,” said Musonda.
