Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda, Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN boxing is staring at a possible turning point, with the Trabablas Gloves On tournament positioning itself as one of the sport’s fastest-growing platforms. The organisers want it running across all 10 provinces, attracting fighters from local gyms and regional stables, and laying the groundwork for what they believe could be a new era for the sport.
The first edition, held in Chivhu on November 1, drew over 40 fighters from Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries. The second instalment moves to the Harare International Conference Centre on December 4, where more than 30 boxers are expected to step into the ring. High-profile Zanu-PF officials are also expected to attend.
The event is a co-promotion between the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy and Delta Force. The organisers say the tournament is part of efforts to recognise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s achievements in the Second Republic.
The second edition was officially launched in Harare yesterday, in an event attended by Zanu-PF Mashonaland East Political Commissar, Lincoln Matare.
Speaking on behalf of the promoters, Clyde Musonda of Delta Force praised President Mnangagwa for providing what he described as an atmosphere that supports sport growth.
“We want to establish a solid boxing hub where our focus will be on athlete development, talent nurturing and imparting our pugilists with knowledge of healthy lifestyles. Vision 2030 under President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s leadership is a trend steer for this boxing drive and in the next five years, we will see a complete overhaul of boxing and boxers in Zimbabwe,” said Musonda.
“Our mission is to unite and stimulate passion for all boxing athletes. We have created a platform for skill development and high-level competition, evidenced by the just-ended tournament we successfully held in Chivhu. Our next mission for this year and beyond is to host boxing tournaments across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces and grow the sport in all the aforesaid provinces by enhancing our ultimate goal in producing world-class boxing athletes. Aligning with Vision 2030, our mission is to have our pugilists equipped with competitive readiness to conquer the world by 2030,” said Musonda.
The inaugural champion, Clever Sithole, walked away with the Trabablas belt and a Toyota Fortuner GD-6 donated by Zanu-PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei. Sithole beat Lawrence Chiyangwa in front of a strong crowd at Phil Jen Country Lodges in Chivhu. Chiyangwa received a Toyota Hilux single cab.
“I would like to express my gratitude towards Tagwirei for this gesture. His deeds are empowering us youths. Those who looked down on boxing can now start to think otherwise,” Sithole told Zimpapers Sports Hub yesterday.
The second edition will once again feature international participation, with fighters expected from Malawi and Zambia. Mbare’s Tinashe “Chairman” Mwadziwana is set to defend his World Boxing Federation title, while female fighter Revai Madondo is tipped to make a long-awaited return to the ring.
