Zimpapers Logo

Sports Reporter
THE Bulawayo Amateur Boxing Association (Baba) will this afternoon hold its third bill of the year at Manor Hotel, with the sport’s enthusiasts guaranteed of at least 15 bouts.The competition will be used to identify boxers to represent Bulawayo Metropolitan Province at the Zimbabwe National Youth Games in August .

Baba vice-chairman Ezwell Ndlovu said they have invited Gwanda and Gweru to participate at the competition.

“In our last competition our female boxers failed to get any fights because there were no challengers but if Gwanda which is the hub for Team Matabeleland South comes, then our women will trade leather. The tournament is open to all amateur boxers and we believe that the more the boxers, the more the fun,” said Ndlovu.

“We will also like to take this opportunity to invite young boxers so that they are assesed while there is enough time before finalisation of Bulawayo’s Youth Games squad.

Boxers from Bulawayo clubs Nketa, Nkulumane, Tshaka, Lobengula, Luveve’s Percy, HQ One Brigade, and Bulawayo West will battle it out in different divisions.

Samson Masiyambumbi and his brother Brighton who have represented the country at international competitions including the 2010 Youth Championships in Poland are top boxers from Nketa expected at today’s tournament as well as another Masiyambumbi sibling Arnold.

Everson Musambidzi is set to lead Nkulumane.

The Zimbabwe National Army’s HQ One Brigade will bank on Edson Mapeka and Prince Musona.

Lobengula is expected to pin its hopes on young and exciting Cecil Toto who is proving to be hot to handle in the welterweight division.

The club also has Assurance Moyo on their books.

Sibusisiwe Khumalo of Lobengula is the only female boxer who has confirmed her participation although the likes of Elizabeth Moyo, Amanda Dube and Thenjiwe Foloma are expected to take part.

Some of the boxers expected at the competition are Zimbabwe National Youth Games medalists Brian Ndlovu, Mbongeni Masuku and Stephen Ndlovu.

Veteran trainer Philip “Striker” Ndlovu of Tshaka will unleash Andile Ncube who is following on the footsteps of Meluleki Ngulube and Ntando Sibanda who have since turned professional.