Online Reporter
Tendai Chara
WHILE many athletes fade from the spotlight when competition opportunities become scarce, female boxer Monalisa Sibanda continues to prepare for her next fight with the same determination that has defined her career.
More than a year after her last bout, Sibanda remains committed to the sport she loves, balancing training with family life, church activities and everyday responsibilities while keeping herself ready for any opportunity that may come her way.
The boxer last stepped into the ring in August 2025, when she suffered a unanimous decision defeat to Malawi’s Ruth Chisale. Since then, she has not had another fight, but she insists her passion for boxing remains as strong as ever.
Rather than waiting for opportunities to come, Sibanda has chosen to stay active and disciplined, maintaining her training routine and focusing on her physical and mental wellbeing.
“I’m still in,” Mona said when asked what she is currently doing.
According to Sibanda, training remains a regular part of her life despite the demands of family and church commitments.
Although she is not in a position to confirm when she will fight again, she says she is prepared to seize any opportunity that comes her way.
Her commitment to training is not driven by competition alone.
“I also train for the sake of my health,” she said.
For Sibanda, boxing has become more than a sport. It is now part of her daily lifestyle and personal discipline.
The veteran boxer is also thinking beyond her own career and already has an eye on what she hopes will be her next chapter in the sport.
Even after her fighting days are over, she wants to remain involved in boxing and contribute to its growth by mentoring young athletes and supporting those working to develop the sport.
“I want to help groom future champions,” she said.
That passion for developing future talent has already started at home.
Sibanda revealed that her eldest son, Andy, has developed an interest in boxing and is learning the sport under her guidance.
“We train together,” she said.
Drawing on years of experience inside the ring, she has begun teaching him the fundamentals of boxing and sharing lessons she learned throughout her career.
“I imparted into him the basic skills,” she explained.
However, Sibanda stressed that the decision to pursue boxing professionally will ultimately be her son’s to make.
She believes he has the potential to excel, describing his ability in glowing terms.
Speaking about his progress, she said he is “very good.”
Despite her pride in his development, Sibanda is keen to shield him from public attention while he is still young and learning.
“I do not want to reveal much about him. I want to guide and protect him,” she added.
For now, Sibanda’s focus remains on staying prepared, staying healthy and staying connected to a sport that has shaped much of her life.
Whether her next chapter comes as a fighter, a trainer or a mentor, one thing is certain: the fighting spirit that carried her through years in the ring remains firmly intact.
