Online Reporter
Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]
THE excitement was written all over the faces of Gwanda High School pupils as former Iinternational Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion Ezekiel “Kell” Brook stepped into the school’s boxing gym, delivering a moment that many young fighters will remember for years to come.
Brook (40), who was in Gwanda on a familiarisation tour on Monday, visited the school’s renowned boxing club and interacted with aspiring boxers, sharing lessons from a career that saw him rise from humble beginnings to become one of Britain’s most celebrated fighters.
The former boxer was in the ring between 2002 and 2024. He managed to hold the IBF welterweight title between 2014 and 2017, according to records.
His visit served as both motivation and validation for a boxing programme that has become one of the most successful school-based projects in Matabeleland South.
For many learners, meeting a boxer who competed and excelled on the world stage transformed dreams into possibilities. Brook encouraged the youngsters to remain disciplined, work hard and believe in their abilities, regardless of where they come from.
The visit also highlighted the growing popularity of boxing in the mining town, where the sport has become one of the most followed and supported disciplines among young people.
Gwanda High School headmaster Arthur Maphosa said Brook’s presence was a huge inspiration to learners and a sign that the school’s efforts in developing boxing talent were being recognised beyond Zimbabwe’s borders.
“We felt honoured at Gwanda High School and especially our boxing club for the courtesy visit by boxing great Kell Brook. It was a momentous day and the children loved it,” said Maphosa.
“Boxing is huge here and we are trying our best to give the youngsters a future they believe in. Our club was established soon after the 2003 National Youth Games held in Gwanda and the rest is history.”
The school has produced a number of accomplished boxers, among them Monica Mnkandla, one of Zimbabwe’s most decorated female fighters. Mnkandla won multiple national titles and went on to represent Zimbabwe at international competitions, becoming a trailblazer for women’s boxing in the country.
Other notable products of the school’s boxing programme include professional boxer Sydney Baloyi, former Youth Games gold medallist and former headboy Claudius Mpofu, and Farai Makombe, whose recent performances have attracted attention within local boxing circles.
Maphosa said the learners were fascinated by Brook’s story of determination and success.
“Generally, the pupils were happy. When they heard of Kell Brook’s history they were in awe and full of respect.
They felt honoured that a man of his character and stature graced them,” he said.
He added that Brook had pledged to assist the school with boxing equipment and help improve gym facilities, a development expected to strengthen the club’s capacity to nurture future champions.
“We look forward to having a solid relationship with him and others in the boxing fraternity. This is what is needed to help our children realise their dreams,” said Maphosa.
For Gwanda High School’s young boxers, Brook’s visit was more than a courtesy call. It was a powerful lesson that dedication, resilience and belief can take an athlete from a small-town gym to the biggest stages in world boxing.
As the pupils gathered around the former champion for photographs and words of encouragement, many left convinced that their own boxing dreams were worth pursuing. In a town where the sport continues to flourish,
Brook’s visit may well inspire the next generation of champions to emerge from the Gwanda High School gym.
“The British boxing star’s visit to Zimbabwe was facilitated by Proma Events Africa in partnership with the Manyuchi Boxing Academy.”
