Mutare hosts historic Pride of Mutare Boxing Tournament

The tournament was organised through a partnership between City of Mutare and Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy

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MUTARE successfully hosted the inaugural Pride of Mutare Boxing Tournament on May 23, 2026, marking another important milestone for the city as it continues to promote sports development and youth empowerment.
The tournament was organised through a partnership between City of Mutare and Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy. The event, the first of its kind in Manicaland, brought together top professional boxers from across Southern Africa.
Participating countries included Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, Malawi and Tanzania.
The involvement of Charles Manyuchi added great significance to the tournament.
As one of Zimbabwe’s most accomplished boxers, Manyuchi is a shining example of what discipline, hard work and determination can achieve.
His journey from humble beginnings to becoming an international champion continues to inspire many young people.
Notably, he won his first medal in Mutare as a junior boxer during the National Youth Games held at Marymount Teachers’ College in 2005.
The Pride of Mutare Boxing Tournament was held in a vibrant and family-friendly atmosphere, with children attending alongside their parents and guardians. Boxing enthusiasts were treated to exciting bouts featuring several prominent professional boxers, including former World Boxing Federation welterweight champion Evans Husaiwevhu, Lawrence Chiyangwa, Jeremiah “Jingo” Mhere and John Andrew.
Among the distinguished guests who attended the event were the Guest of Honour and ZANU PF Political Commissar, Cde Munyaradzi Machacha, and the Honourable Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Manicaland Province, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, City of Mutare Deputy Mayor, Alderman John Nyamhoka who was representing the Mayor, City of Mutare Councillors and Officials.
Sport continues to play a pivotal role in providing young people with direction, discipline and purpose. Boxing teaches commitment, respect, focus and self-control. Through training and competition, young people can build confidence, develop valuable life skills and even pursue professional careers. Sporting activities also help keep youths engaged in positive environments, reducing the risk of drug and substance abuse, which has become a growing concern in our communities.
This initiative forms part of our long-term vision to establish a strong local boxing development programme. Plans are already underway to develop an internationally recognised boxing academy and training facilities in Mutare. The project aims to identify and nurture young talent from Mutare and the wider Manicaland Province by providing proper training, mentorship and exposure to national and international competitions.
Parents and guardians with children interested in joining the academy are encouraged to contact Mr Norman Nyaude on 0772 932 822.
On other fronts, we continue to develop sporting infrastructure across the city for the benefit of our residents and stakeholders. We recently completed the installation of a palisade fence at Sakubva Swimming Pool. Works are also ongoing at the Sakubva tennis and basketball courts.
In addition, bucket seats for Sakubva Stadium were recently delivered. This project is in line with our vision of transforming Sakubva Stadium into a modern facility fit to host international matches once the ongoing major works are completed.
Chikanga Sports Complex is another facility currently receiving a facelift. After years of inactivity, renovations have finally commenced, and we expect the facility to reopen to members of the public once the works are complete.
As we strive to improve service delivery and move towards achieving the ideals of a Smart City concept for Mutare, I want to assure you that my office is open for engagement with residents and stakeholders. Our goal is to work collaboratively to enhance the quality of life for our residents and make Mutare a better place to live, work, and visit. I encourage residents and stakeholders to engage with my office, share their ideas, and provide feedback on how we can improve our services and achieve our Smart City vision.
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