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Langton Nyakwenda
Sports Reporter
COINCIDENTALLY, he was on the same plane to Harare with a Zimbabwean Government official, and when it touched down at Robert Mugabe International Airport yesterday, Tanzanian boxer Sadiki Momba was already feeling at home.
Momba is here to fight Zimbabwean boxer Tatenda “Signature” Biningu for the World Boxing Federation International Super Featherweight belt at 7 Arts Theatre in Avondale, Harare on Saturday.
The 35-year-old Momba, who has 29 wins from 42 matches, looks like he will be the Goliath and Biningu the David when the two square up on Saturday.
Biningu is 22 and has seven wins and one loss.
“This is my first time in Zimbabwe but I have fought across the world,” said Momba.
He was on the same flight with the Minister of Provincial Affairs for Masvingo, Ezra Chadzamira, who also took the opportunity to welcome the Tanzanian pugilist.
“The weather here in Zimbabwe is similar to the one we are experiencing in Tanzania, so this feels like home.
“There is no need to acclimatise,” said Momba.
He added: “I don’t know much about my opponent (Biningu), but I have watched some of his videos.
“I am sure he also doesn’t know me well and I am not afraid,” declared Momba, who was accompanied by his manager Emmanuel Mlundwa.
Biningu hails from Masvingo Province and is one of the highly-rated boxers in Zimbabwe.
He is a protégé of former World Boxing Council Silver Welterweight champion, Charles Manyuchi, who is now spending much of his time in Masvingo.
Manyuchi is promoting Saturday’s bill through the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy in collaboration with Better Brands Petroleum.
A women empowerment group, Young Women in Business, is also sponsoring the tournament.
Minister Chadzamira hailed Manyuchi for promoting boxers from Masvingo, in line with the Government’s devolution programme.
“Boxing is a sport that can help these children to find ways in which they can even out a living,” said Chadzamira.
Boxers from several African countries including Malawi, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, South Africa, and Tanzania make up those expected to trade leather.
Bout card:
Hillary Josamu (Zimbabwe) v Blessed Metazana (Malawi), Jeremiah Mhere v Snowden Munyanje (Malawi), Tinashe Majoni v Pemphero Nkhoma (Malawi), Evans Husayihwevhu (Zimbabwe) Mombela Mukuni (Zambia), Bongani Makorova (Zimbabwe) v Yusuf Ali (Malawi), Tinashe Mwadziwana (Zimbabwe) v Hollies Kazembe (Zambia), Clever Sithole (Zimba-bwe) v Limbani Chikapa (Malawi), Jason Medi (DR Congo) v Abdul Njego (Uganda), Tatenda Biningu (Zimbabwe) v Sadik Momba (Tanzania).
Online Reporter