Eight provinces to grace amateur boxing tourney

Hwange .
The competition is pencilled for Saturday and will see boxers from Mutare, Mashonaland East, Bulawayo, Midlands, Masvingo, Har-are, Zimbabwe National Army and Matabeleland North fighting for honours in 10 weight categories. ZABA chairman, Lovemore Malianga, said they were going to select a few fighters who will represent the country in the Olympic Qualifiers scheduled for next year in Tunisia.

“Next year we have Olympic qualifiers happening and we are hoping to have one or two fighters to represent the nation.
“In Africa we are going to have one event in Tunisia and most of the qualifiers will be in Europe. This is the stage to pick our best fighters for the qualifiers,” said Malianga.
Malianga said they were looking forward to a competitive tournament as the event has over the years become a platform for local fighters to showcase their talent.

“Normally the competition is very intense in terms of the turnout as everyone wants to be the best. This is an event where people come prepared to fight for honours.
“We are looking at around 80 to 90 fighters all together because each province is expected to bring seven or more fighters.
“We have Masvingo, they have been doing well for the past years and ZNA are coming, they are the biggest ion terms of numbers,” said Malianga.

Malianga said a lot has changed over the years in terms of competition.
“We have realised Harare is no longer that province it used to be in terms of being vibrant.

“I think they lack in leadership but they are still good in establishing schools of excellence.
“Mashonaland East have taken more interest and become one of the best provinces,” said Malianga.

Malianga said after the national championships, they will host the Champion of the Champions in December.
“If the programme goes according to plan we are going to meet in December for the Champion of the Champions.

“That will be our last event of the year. The venue is still to be decided,” said Malianga.
ZNA are the defending champions and will be out to defend their title.