Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda
Zimpapers Sports Hub
FEMALE boxing talent from across Southern Africa will take centre stage when the third edition of the Trabablas tournament explodes into life at the Kwekwe Sports Arena on September 24.
The tournament, promoted by former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion Charles Manyuchi, has attracted boxers from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa.
Alice Mbewe, Elizabeth Phiri, Loveness Khoka, Mary Mhango and Revai Madondo are among the female boxers expected to be in action in Kwekwe.
Trabablas has become a travelling boxing showcase, having started in Chivhu before moving to Mutare, with Manyuchi now targeting all the ten provinces.
“The journey started in Chivhu with the first Trabablas tournament. We then moved to Mutare and now we are preparing to stage another tournament in Kwekwe,” Manyuchi told Zimpapers Sports Hub.
“The target is to stage a Trabablas tournament in all the country’s provinces.
“It’s our own way of appreciating the good things that are being done by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.”
One of the bouts expected to attract interest will see Zimbabwean veteran Madondo take on Malawi’s Chimwemwe Banda for the Women International Boxing Association (WIBA) title.
Madondo, who now fights under the Charles Manyuchi Academy, heads into the contest buoyed by a TKO victory over Malawi’s Tamary Mtambalika in Lilongwe on July 26.
The victory took her record to 10-5-1.
“This tournament means a lot to me, it’s a rare opportunity for us ladies.
“I want to grab this opportunity with both hands, so my fans from all over Zimbabwe should rally behind me,” said the 31-year-old Madondo.
She also believes joining a professional stable has given her career greater direction.
“I fought as a freelance before but now I am under a new management. If you are working alone, you lack proper management.
“If you have management, you have guidance,” she said.
Mbewe will face Khoka in another eagerly anticipated encounter, while Mhango takes on Malawi’s Mphatso Metaudzu.
“I am really prepared for this tournament, we are working hard as a team, under the Charles Manyuchi Academy,” said Mbewe.
“I am very excited to be fighting in Kwekwe, as a girl child this is a golden opportunity. I am urging Zimbabweans to come in numbers, we are girls and we need support.”
Mhango, meanwhile, expressed her gratitude for the chance to compete in Zimbabwe.
“I thank the organisers for giving me the opportunity to come and fight in Zimbabwe under the Charles Manyuchi Academy,” she said.
Phiri is among some of the foreign boxers already in the country and believes a strong performance could open doors for bigger opportunities.
“I am in Zimbabwe for the big tournament, that is the Trabablas 3. It’s not only about this opportunity, but more that will come if I put up a very good fight,” she said.
The main attraction on the card will be the World Boxing Federation bout between Zimbabwe’s Freeman Mabvongwe and Zambia’s Mbachi Kaonga.
