ZNA to host open boxing tournament

Sports Reporter
THE biggest amateur boxing tournament in the country is due to take place at Zimbabwe National Army Imbizo Barracks in Bulawayo next week.
Over 120 boxers are expected to attend what should be a feast of fury in the ring as boxers battle it out for national teams’ recognition. Petros Masiyambumbi, the Zimbabwe Amateur Boxing Association technical director, said the stage was set for the biggest tournament in the city this year.

“Everything is in order, we are just waiting for the day,” he said.
Masiyambumbi praised the Recruit Training Depot for always setting high standards when hosting similar competitions.

“We are anticipating a great competition because the hosts have for a long time proven beyond doubt their ability to organise sports competitions,” said the ZNA member.

The tournament comes after another national event held in Chivhu last month which enjoyed a good turnout.
“Everyone is invited and we are expecting a good number of boxers, even those who missed the national championships have another opportunity to compete,” he said.

Masiyambumbi revealed that a number of schools’ clubs had confirmed participation and that involvement of the youngsters would expose them to good gamesmanship and competition. “Our youngsters who will be part of the competition will not only have an opportunity to compete and prove themselves, they will also be able to meet with other youngsters from all around the country, network and build good sporting relations,” he said.

Masiyambumbi believes Bulawayo will leave up to its expectations, as they have proved beyond doubt that they are the hub of boxing in the country from the 1980s when it produced good boxers like Thembani Nyoni, Joyful Mahlangu, Eddie Ndlovu, Ambrose Mlilo, Nokuthula Tshabangu, Freddie Chisoro, Fundisi Moyo, Ntando Sibanda, Meluleki Ngulube, Ndumiso Mabhena, Mordicai Donga, Stephen Masiyambumbi, Foster Masiyambumbi and of late Brighton Masiyambumbi.