Online Reporter
Lovemore Dube
GWANDA female boxing sensation Monica Mnkandla recorded her ninth professional victory after outpointing South Africa’s Thema Zuma at Emperors Palace recently. The bout was an international non-title contest fought in the bantamweight division, attracting interest from both Zimbabwean and South African boxing circles.
With the victory, Mnkandla maintained her unbeaten professional record at 9–0, underlining her growing reputation as one of Zimbabwe’s most promising boxers with the potential to make her mark on the continental stage and beyond.
Last weekend’s contest saw her come up against an experienced opponent who previously held the South African flyweight division title, a belt she won on three separate occasions during her career.
Mnkandla displayed maturity and composure in the ring, moving well, selecting her moments with care and defending her guard superbly as she out-boxed Zuma over the scheduled rounds.
Following the bout, the South Africa-based boxer paid tribute to Maculomahle Nkomo for her continued support. Nkomo served as the boxing board co-ordinator for Matabeleland South until last year, when she relocated to Harare.
Mnkandla said the administrator had played a crucial role in her boxing journey and believes she would not be at her current level without Nkomo’s backing.
“In 2023 she used her money to come support me in my first international fight in South Africa, on the day of my fight my opponent was sick, she developed high blood pressure, then again I also fought for another title, she used her money, she came to support me, she gave me that sister warmth and love,” said Mnkandla.
“I really appreciate, she has been making connections for me even in Gwanda when I come to Zimbabwe, I would like to say thank you to her, she inspires me as a young, she is an inspiration.”
Mnkandla’s strong run in the ring has also earned her national recognition, with the boxer last week being named among the nominees for the Zimbabwe Sportswoman of the Year award, which will be announced in Harare in May.
The award, organised by the Sport and Recreation Commission, recognises Zimbabwean athletes who have delivered outstanding performances across various sporting disciplines during the previous year.
