happiness Chikwanha
Ellina Mhlanga
Sports Reporter
TOP female boxer Monalisa Sibanda says she is back in training to begin some groundwork when the matches return as she hopes to defend the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) World Intercontinental light-welterweight title.
Sibanda won the belt last year when she beat Kenya’s Joice Awino.
She was supposed to defend the title in April before fights were suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak.
“We were supposed to have defended the title but because of the Covid-19 pandemic the fights were put on hold. But they said when things get better, all title holders need to defend their titles, so I am preparing myself.
“I have started preparing myself now so that I am ready because they can announce anytime from now. Of course, they will give us maybe two months or three months for preparation to defend our titles but it’s wise to start so that I am always ready,” said Sibanda.
With the gradual easing of lockdown measures across the world and some sporting events back, Sibanda is hopeful and one of her concerns at the moment is ensuring she sheds off some weight.
“I am working with a time frame of up to December. I am overweight, you know just staying at home and training indoors at home it’s not that effective. I have passion for the sport but when you are at home it’s not the same as when we are in training full-time and active, so I relaxed a bit.
“I was training lightly and I failed to control my appetite and I am overweight, about 13kg overweight. I need to shed the weight, so I need proper diet, proper training, proper gym and my mindset should be in the right frame for everything to work out well for me,” Sibanda said.
The seasoned boxer appealed for support and expressed disappointment as she feels she has not received much recognition for her exploits in the ring.
“I am still appealing for support, we need support as athletes. I am asking the Government to also support us boxers. It’s not about Monalisa Sibanda, it’s not about my family or children, it’s about Zimbabwe. So I need the back-up of my country.
“Boxing has always been looked down upon but it’s just a sport that needs support like any other and the boxers need to be recognised as well just like other disciplines.
“It’s not all about financial support when we seek sponsorship, even material or just having opportunities created for us . . .
If our leaders in sport can create opportunities, for instance, they can enter into partnerships with some of the gyms and we can have free access.
Online Reporter