admin
Tawanda Matanhire : Lifestyle Correspondent
Growing up in a family with a lot of boxing influence, there was no way the young man could escape taking part in what is regarded as one of the most violent of sporting disciplines. His father, the popular John Kufa Kanjere, spent the greater part of his life in the boxing fraternity promoting and coaching Zimbabwean boxers under the Mau Mau stable.After assuming a position as Zimbabwe’s national coach the father eventually left for Europe to pursue other boxing ventures leaving the young man behind which prompted him to start his own career .
Malvin Tonderai Kanjere decided that his future lay right there in his father’s world.
The father of two, Floyd and Waverly, has had the support of his wife who declined to disclose her identity for personal reasons.
She understands the nature of Kanjere’s job but insists on having family time over weekends so as to ease off the work pressure on her spouse.
Kanjere is professionally equipped with marketing and auto electrics diplomas but chose to be a pugilist.
He has worked as an auto electrician for the Clover leaf motor company where he also learnt so much about fixing cars.
“I got so much exposed to the motor car industry at Clover leaf where I also learnt to fix cars to the point that I can service my own car without any hussles,” Kanjere said.
In 2015 Kanjere established Faith Boxing Club in Chitungwiza after getting mentoring from the popular Arigoma Chiponda who earlier made headlines for successful fights in the region.
Growing up in Chitungwiza near Chiponda who was a family friend inspired Kanjere to become a boxing and fitness training enthusiast as a result.
Chiponda had so much influence on the young man’s life as he would also involve him in many of the boxing tournaments in one way or the other.
In November 2015 Kanjere held his first boxing tournament where he hosted two great Zimbabwean boxers.
This saw throngs of people turning up for the event at Chitungwiza Aquatic complex.
At the beginning of the year in 2016 Kanjere enhanced his career by acquiring a boxing club coaching certificate which pushed him to start fitness and weight loss programs.
This made him to relocate to the popular Joina Centre Oxygen Fitness Centre.
He launched a boxing for fitness programme which specialises in keeping oneself fit and also losing weight and his father became the main sponsor.
The program has gained the attention of many fitness enthusiasts with many clients are currently booked for classes
His sister Molin who resides in Namibia also saw it fit to take part to make Kanjere`s dream come true.
She has provided medical equipment as well as consultancy from her rich medical background.
The fitness and weight loss programmes involved are tailored for everyone who feels they want to keep strong and the obese who want to lose weight.
People who are diabetic, undisciplined and even hooligans are turned into sportsman through boxing fitness training. Many Zimbabweans are seeking such programmes as lifestyle diseases take their toll in the nation’s health.
“People should be health conscious these as this would eliminate hospital bills,” said Kanjere.
Though the boxing industry in Zimbabwe has less support as compared to other sports because many associate it with violence, Kanjere has taken it upon himself to educate the public about the sport so that they may appreciate it as a fitness and training activity.
The likes of Alfonso Zvenyika better known as Mosquito and Charles Manyuchi have lifted the Zimbabwean flag high and there is need to engage and support more boxers.
“Boxing industry has suffered a lot because of minimal support from stakeholders; people have to embrace it as a sport and take after the effort of Manyuchi and others so that the sport is uplifted,”Kanjere said.
“People should appreciate the sport at grassroots level and send their children to start training as boxers and also engage in supporting activities as well as sponsorship for the sport to grow in our country,” he added.
Although many people like to watch boxing on television there few who are prepared to take it up. Terms like punch drunk and the physical agony that the boxers go through obviously keep most people away.
As a fitness trainer Kanjere appreciates boxing and he does it for the passion as well as the healthy benefits.
“Boxing in Zimbabwe is not well financed and not everyone in that industry can sorely survive on it, you have to do it for the passion otherwise you will be disappointed,” Kanjere said.
“People should understand the sport and support it so that we get the best out of it,” Kanjere said.
“Instead of fighting in the streets it’s better to come and do it in the ring where it’s not a crime,” Kanjere said.
Throughout his career as a boxing and fitness trainer Kanjere has held several positions in Zimbabwean boxing circles including being Harare Junior Province assistant coach.
He awaits his refereeing and judging certificate for amateur boxing.
Online Reporter