It’s not the end of everything, says Chiwandire

Langton Nyakwenda

Zimpapers Sports Hub

MULTI-TALENTED female sports personality Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire is recovering well from a double fracture she suffered in June and is now hoping for a strong comeback in both football and boxing.

The boxer-cum-footballer sustained the injury during a Northern Region Soccer League match between Scottland Queens and Harare City Queens.

At the time she suffered the injury, Chiwandire had become a key player at Scottland Queens, where she is also the captain.

The 28-year-old star also missed a fight that had been scheduled for her in August.

Chiwandire is a former World Boxing Council Interim Super Bantamweight champion, who made history when she fought for the WBC gold belt against Yamileth Mercado of Mexico in Chihuahua in March 2023.

She has never stepped into the ring since losing that fight.

Chiwandire remains resolute and believes she will fight her way to female boxing’s top table.

“I am still around… a lot of people have been checking on me but I can walk properly now.

“I am now able to go and watch my teammates train,” Chiwandire told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.

She was at Alex Sports Club where she watched a sparring match between Scottland Queens and Bright Stars Academy.

Chiwandire rose to international prominence when she wrestled the WBC Interim Super Bantamweight belt from the more fancied Catherine Phiri of Zambia in February 2022.

She then defended her title against Zulina Munoz of Mexico later that year.

After that assignment, she then made history by becoming the first Zimbabwean to fight for a WBC gold belt when she lost on points against then world champion Mercado.

“This injury is not the end of everything, I am still soldiering on and I am hoping to be back in the ring in January.

“Yes, I was getting worried about my condition but there’s progress now.

“I want to thank my team Scottland Queens for what they have done for me, in terms of treatment, I am really grateful.”

Chiwandire is a multi-talented sports personality, who is also proficient in karate.

“For now, I want to concentrate on football and boxing.

“I am looking forward to be back in the ring as soon as January.

“I will start training later this month and then gym next month.

“I just hope my management will put everything in place to find opponents for me because I am eager to fight again’’.

She vowed to bounce back to the Scottland Queens next season.

“As for football nothing stops, I will be back next season.

“To the fans I want to say thank you for the support, I still need you guys and also need financial support in my career.

“Hats off to Scottland Queens they are making sure I get everything I want, I am still getting my salary and everything.