admin
Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
IN a sport where female athletes face a cocktail of challenges, including stigmatisation, veteran boxer Monalisa Sibanda, has stood out as a fearless character who simply cannot give up.
Just like her moniker, 41-year-old Sibanda has withstood the pressure in a boxing jungle.
On August 31, the “Queen of the Jungle” faces an “Angel of War” from Kenya in a bout that could enhance the Zimbabwean’s reputation.
Kenyan pugilist Sarah Achieng stands between Sibanda and a Commonwealth Super Lightweight title.
The fight, which has been dubbed “Thunder at the Lakeside”, will be staged at the Argyle Grand Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya.
Ironically, Achieng won the belt at the expense of another Zimbabwean pugilist, Chiedza Homakoma, in Nairobi on December 16, 2022.
Achieng now defends the title against one of the pioneers of female boxing in Zimbabwe.
Sibanda turned pro in 2005 but the Mabvuku-bred pugilist has not had a fair chance to challenge for top belts.
She has laid her hands on the Women International Boxing Association inter-continental title, but the Commonwealth belt is of more substance, hence the calibre of her opponent.
Achieng has 16 wins in 18 fights and has been undefeated since 2014, while Sibanda has seven wins in 18 fights, going into this Commonwealth title fight.
However, Sibanda is convinced she can upstage Achieng and bring the Commonwealth belt back to Harare.
The veteran pugilist has intensified preparations for this fight by engaging a Malawian sparring opponent Linda Alie.
“It’s a great opportunity to fight for the Commonwealth title after Zimbabwe was away for so many years,” Sibanda said.
“I know Achieng is a god boxer, very tough, with lots of endurance but I will control her.
“I am motivated to make my nation proud.”
She wants to fight on until she turns 50.
“We face many challenges as female boxers but I am still in the ring.
“I am not yet giving up, I can still fight up to 50 years,” added Sibanda.
Her preparations for the Commonwealth title have been smoothened by the financial assistance, she is getting from Legislator Tino Machakaire, who is also the Minister of Youth Empowerment and Vocational Training Centres.
“We are training in Borrowdale with my Malawian sparring partner Alie, and I must say the preparations are going well,” says Sibanda.
“These preparations have been made possible by Honourable Machakaire, he has supported me financially, paying for my gym fees and all the other stuff.”
Sibanda will camp for a week before leaving for Mombasa on August 27.
She is one of the few female boxers raising the country’s flag on the international scene.
Zimbabwe has talented female boxers including former World Boxing Council Interim Super Bantamweight champion Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire, Revai Madondo, Patience Masitara, Homakoma, and reigning SADC ABU junior featherweight champion Monica Mkandla.
Sadly, most of these female boxers lack financial support and a sound promotion strategy.
Chiwandire made history when he challenged for the WBC World Super Bantamweight title against Mexican champion Yamileth Mercado in Chihuahua last year.
She became the first Zimbabwean to fight for a WBC gold belt, but since March 2023, Chiwandire has not stepped into the ring.
Online Reporter