Online Reporter
Freeman Razemba-Zimpapers Sports Hub
PROMOTER Charles Manyunchi believes the Trabablas International Boxing Tournament has experienced massive growth and continues to show more potential ahead of the third edition on Friday at the Kwekwe Sports Arena.
Business executive and senator Kudakwashe Tagwirei has donated US$75 000 towards the tournament.
The money will be used for prizes and to cater for accommodation, among other expenses.
The tournament, which has grown from a talent identification initiative into a regional boxing showcase, will have 17 bouts lined up, including more than seven international contests.
Boxers from across Southern and Central Africa, including South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Tanzania, are expected to take part.
The tournament, which has already been staged in two provinces, is moving to the Midlands as organisers seek to expand reach and provide young boxers with regular competition and opportunities to develop their careers.
The former World Boxing Council Silver welterweight champion, who also owns Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, says this edition has attracted boxers from Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia and South Africa.
Alice Mbewe, Elizabeth Phiri, Loveness Khoka, Mary Mhango and Revai Madondo are among the female boxers expected to see action in Kwekwe.
“The journey started in Chivhu with the first Trabablas tournament. We then moved to Mutare, and now we are preparing to stage another tournament in Kwekwe.
“The target is to stage it in all the country’s provinces. It’s our own way of appreciating the good things that are being done by President Emmerson Mnangagwa,” said Manyuchi.
Manyuchi said the initiative was designed to use sport as a vehicle for talent development and youth empowerment.
“We started this tournament in honour of the President, Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa, who has been very supportive of boxing and has provided an opportunity for young people to excel.
“Our vision goes beyond one city, one province or one boxing gym; we want young people in every part of Zimbabwe to understand that they have a place in sport and that their talent can open doors to a better future. We are going to do this tournament in all provinces, unearthing talent as well as giving others regular competition,” he said.
A WBF super-middleweight bout between Zambia’s Mbachi Kaonga of Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy and Zimbabwean Freeman Mabvongwe will feature.
Revai Madondo will face Malawi’s Chimwemwe Banda in a WIBA bantamweight contest, while Zambia’s Alice Mbewe takes on Malawi’s Loveness Khoka in a regional featherweight contest, among other bouts.
The tournament was initially developed as a talent identification programme but has since evolved into an international boxing event, while retaining its focus on unearthing emerging talent and giving local boxers regular ring time.
