The footballer, the boxer

Fatima Bulla in MASVINGO
HER dream is to play for the Mighty Warriors.
However, after having won a gold medal in boxing at the Zimbabwe National Youth Games, Kudakwashe Chiwandire is at crossroads.The former Cyclone Queens player defied the odds at the Youth Games in Masvingo last week, winning gold in the flyweight boxing final after just four months of entering the ring. Her victory over Charles Manyuchi-trained Tsitsi Ndlovu has seen Chiwandire seriously considering permanently swapping football boots for boxing gloves.

Having been frustrated on the soccer pitch, Chiwandire took up her husband’s suggestion that she use boxing as way to “manage her anger”.

Then a suggestion was made that she ups her training sessions as there was a chance she could make Harare’s team for the Youth Games.

“I did not have much time to train, but decided on taking up the challenge,” she said. “At first I could not bear leaving my baby at home, but because I had to focus on my desire to fight for a gold medal, I decided to go for it at all costs.”

Working with coaches Alexander and Takesure Kwangwari, Chiwandire underwent a gruelling training programme in preparation for the Games.

Now having fought her way to gold, the multi-talented sportswoman wants more from the ring.

“This win has inspired me and I want to pursue the sport further,” she said.

Chiwandire is the first to concede that her triumph over Ndlovu did not come on a silver platter.

“It was hell in there,” she said. “At times I ran out of strength, but my colleagues continued to support me even when my opponent was having the upper hand. Having my coach there spurred me on and I believe we can achieve more as a team.” As Chiwandire celebrates her gold medal, the losing Ndlovu has to nurse a broken nose.