Minister Coventry hails Phiri

Curtworth Masango

Sports Minister Kirsty Coventry has hailed Aliya Phiri for his victory in the African Boxing Union lightweight title fight.

Phiri met with the minister yesterday and presented his championship belt.

He was accompanied by his father, who turns out to be his manager and brother, who is also his coach, and received US$1 750 from the government which was handed over by the minister.

Also present were the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board chairperson Vee Chibanda, CEO Priscilla Kadungure, and boxing sponsor Lindsay Earle.

“It’s a great achievement and I am sure it is the start of many things not just being ranked first in Africa but a route to become top ranked globally,” said Coventry.

“Congratulations to your baba and brother, it’s nice to see a family unit coming together and supporting each other.

“Congratulations to the family unity and it takes a strong family unit to support each other. It’s also nice to see a female promoter.”

Minister Coventry stressed efforts by the government to honour its successful athletes with a token of appreciation, which is now backed by a policy.

“We wanted to hand over something as a little token of appreciation to say thank you to all our athletes that have been competing. There was never a strong policy that when our athlete competes in the region and or on international levels in any sport fraternity of winning bonuses and we have categorised the different winning bonuses that are categorically stated.

“And we are handing over US$1750 which is for ranking first at continental category and we are looking forward to doubling it next week as well as you grow into your international career.

“The more sport can become professional the more federations can generate money and have that money coming back… ”.

Phiri pledged his love for the country and said he was grateful for the immense support he has received.

“Thank you to everyone who has been with me in my journey and all the support I have received. I respect the Zimbabwean Flag and I will do my best to lift it higher.

ZNBWCB chairperson Chibanda said she is delighted as boxing continues to receive due recognition from all stakeholders.

“Our request to come and meet with the Honourable Minister to present the championship belt was motivated by what has been achieved by the victory of Aliya. “We are gratified that our request was accepted and it shows us that boxing is given due consideration in our highest office for sport in the country.

“Today we come before you in support of our boxer, his management team and promoter in celebration of the achievement. Ladies and Gentlemen history is being made today as Aliya at 23 years of age has become one of the youngest boxers to have won an ABU title for Zimbabwe.

“The recognition of Aliya’s achievement by the Honourable Minister is a big motivator for our boxer as he is yet to defend his title on the 22nd of March here in Harare. Our anticipation is that the gesture shown by our Minister will propel him to retain the title and go on to challenge for the world title,” she said.