Two decades in the game, Monalisa fights on

Langton Nyakwenda

VETERAN female boxer, Monalisa “The Queen of the Jungle” Sibanda, is clocking two decades in the sport, but her quest for more glory is still insatiable.

The 41-year-old is one of the pioneers of female boxing in this country, having turned professional in 2006, but she insists she still has another decade in the game.

Sibanda wants to fight until she reaches 50, although she claims female pugilists have suffered for years.

Female boxers, according to Sibanda, have for years been victims of lack of sponsorship and stereotyping.

“Boxing gives us an opportunity to also do sports. It’s an empowerment of the girl child.

“But, we have also been encountering a lot of challenges, some of which we cannot disclose,” says Sibanda.

She has 18 professional fights, and has won seven of them.

Her 19th bout could be decisive.

Sibanda will challenge for the Commonwealth Super Lightweight title against Sarah Achieng of Kenya in Kasuma, Kenya, on August 31.

However, her preparations are being held back by lack of sponsorship.

“My preparations are still down, as we are still searching for sponsorship.” 

But, the opportunity to challenge for a respectable belt spurs her on.

She holds the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) title, but the Commonwealth belt is superior and more recognized.

“It’s a great opportunity to fight for the Commonwealth title after Zimbabwe was away for so many years,” a grateful Sibanda said.

She wants to soldier on until she turns 50.

“My ability is greater than my disability and I want to thank the Almighty for the opportunity. There are a lot of things that stand in our way, especially when we are looking for sponsorship.

 “We face many challenges but I am still in the ring. I am not yet giving up, I can still fight up to 50 years,” Sibanda said.

 Kenyan boxer Achieng, stands between Sibanda and glory.

The 36-year-old Achieng claimed the vacant belt after defeating Zimbabwean Chiedza Homakoma in Nairobi on December 16, 2022. She has a 16-2-0 record.

“Achieng is a good boxer, but I’m up for the task,” declared Sibanda.

She is one of the most prominent local female boxers alongside the likes of Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire, Revai Madondo, Patience Masitara and Homakoma.