Online Reporter
Langton Nyakwenda-Zimpapers Sports Hub
ZIMBABWEAN boxing could witness a major transformation in the next five years, courtesy of the Trabablas Gloves On tournament, which will be held across the country’s 10 provinces, drawing pugilists from both local and international stables.
The first edition of the tournament, which attracted over 40 boxers from Zimbabwe and regional countries, was held in Chivhu on November 1.
The second edition is set for Harare International Conference Centre on December 4.
Over 30 boxers will trade leather in the capital, at an event that is expected to be graced by some high-profile ZANU PF officials.
A co-promotion between the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy and Delta Force, the Trabablas Gloves On tournament is honouring achievements made by President Mnangagwa in the Second Republic.
The second edition was officially launched in Harare yesterday, at an event that was also attended by ZANU PF Mashonaland East Political Commissar, Lincoln Matare.
Speaking on behalf of the promoters, Clyde Musonda of Delta Force, lauded President Mnangagwa for fostering an enabling environment for sport development in the country.
“We want to establish a solid boxing hub where our focus will be in athlete development, talent nurturing and imparting our pugilists with knowledge of healthy lifestyles.
“Vision 2030 under President 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 goal to produce 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.”
The inaugural winner of the Trabablas belt, Clever Sithole, was gifted a Toyota Fortuner GD-6 vehicle by ZANU PF Central Committee member Kudakwashe Tagwirei.
Sithole defeated Lawrence Chiyangwa in front of a strong crowd at Phil Jen Country Lodges in Chivhu.
Chiyangwa was also awarded a Toyota Hilux single cab truck.
“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.
Just like in the first edition, the second instalment of the Trabablas Gloves On tournament will draw boxers from several countries including Malawi and Zambia.
Popular Mbare-bred boxer, Tinashe “Chairman” Mwadziwana is set to defend his World Boxing Federation belt while female pugilist Revai Madondo is expected to make a long-awaited comeback.
