Five beasts for Monalisa Sibanda

IT was an emotional moment for female Zimbabwean boxing champion Monalisa Sibanda as she was offered five head of cattle by Deputy Minister of Youth, Sport, and Recreation Tino Machakaire during her meritorious honours award presentation yesterday.

The Meritorious Honour Award is presented to a group or an individual in recognition of a special act or service or sustained outstanding performance.

Sibanda was presented with her award during the youth, sport, and art business forum held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair Conference Centre.

This special award is the first of its kind in the combat sport sector. The award is meant to keep in line with the ministry’s strategic thrust of recognising excellence across the various fields and in tandem with the National Development Strategy 1.

Machakaire, who was the guest of honour at the forum said he wanted the five beasts to be a starting point for Sibanda’s plan for life after boxing.

“Congratulations to Monalisa. I wish her all the best in her next match in South Africa. She is a strong woman and as a nation, we are proud of her. This gesture is meant for Sibanda to have a starting point once she decides to hang her gloves,” said Machakaire.

He urged the youth who attended the function to think outside the box and plan for life after their careers either in sport or any other occupation.

A visibly appreciative Sibanda was over the moon.

“I am really happy. I appreciate the Government and the ministry of sport and my mother body the Zimbabwe Boxing Board for this recognition. This really means a lot to me,” said Sibanda.

Known as the “Queen of the Jungle”, she started her boxing career as an amateur in 1996 with a record of 25 undefeated fights. She turned professional in 2005 and has a professional record of 17 fights and eight wins.

She is a boxing champion holding the Intercontinental Welterweight Title for the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA).

She is a renowned advocate for women’s empowerment through sport, having founded the dynamite girl’s sports trust.

Sibanda is presently assisting in the development of up-and-coming female boxers. Her recognition as an influencer for African women by the British Broadcasting Corporation is keeping with the finest traditions of national service through boxing and reflects distinct credit upon herself, the combat sports community, the sports sector, and the people of Zimbabwe. She is the country’s first female fighter.

The boxer is a fitness enthusiast and ambassador for women’s sports and the inclusion of female athletes in professional sports. She now holds a record as the first and only female still active at 40 years and has maintained a professional boxing career for over 20 years and is still competing. — @innocentskizoe