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Nkosilathi Sibanda, Online Reporter

ZIMBABWEAN boxers participating in the inaugural Mandela African Boxing Cup, have vowed to make the nation proud by securing medals at this esteemed continental event that starts on Wednesday morning in Durban, South Africa.

The tournament was supposed to start on Tuesday but, an announcement was placed by the International Boxing Association (IBA) advising that bouts were pushed to tomorrow.

Team Zimbabwe sent 12 pugilists in the tournament  that is scheduled to end on April 21.

The postponement of the event, however, has not affected mood at camp for the country’s representatives.

Zimbabwe Boxing Federation’s technical director Stephen Masiyambumbi in an interview with Zimpapers Sports Hub said they were confident their boxers will perform well.

“The tournament was supposed to start on Tuesday but, because of the number of entrants from some countries, it was decided to start the tournament on Wednesday. That has not affected us at all. Our boxers promise to bring some medals for the country.

“The coaches have done their job and the fact that the team travelled well ahead of time, boxers were able to be familiar with the environment in Durban. Basically the team is ready,” said Masiyambumbi.

In preparation for the tournament, the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy served as the training ground for the local boxers.

The Mandela African Boxing Cup tournament, organised by the International Boxing Association (IBA), African Boxing Confederation, and the South African Boxing Organisation, is expected to witness the participation of more than 360 boxers hailing from 41 different countries.

The competition is dedicated to the memory of former South African leader Nelson Mandela.

Zimbabwe boxers are coached by Marko Sibanda, Alexander Kwangwari and Tobias Mupfuti. Boxers in the in the team were chosen from national tournaments held in Victoria Falls and Mvurwi

Speaking from Durban, Kwangwari told Zimpapers Sports Hub they were ready for the action.

Team Zimbabwe at the Mandela African Boxing Cup:

Male Boxers: Marshal Shiri (Bantamweight), Wisdom Dube (Featherweight), Mandlenkosi Marusenga (Lightweight)

Cilemeko Mudenda (Light welterweight), Lwazi Mpofu (Welterweight), Paidamoyo Leander Chakwenya (Light Middle weight), Dumisani Blessing Chideme (Light Heavyweight), Takudzwa Kimbini (Cruiser Weight)

Female Boxers: Agnes Kwashi (Flyweight), Nomathemba Ncube (Light Weight), Hildah Kaye (Light Welterweight)

Manager: Fortune Dube

Coaches: Alexander Kwangwari, Marko Sibanda, Tobias Mupfuti

Doctor: Langton Mawungu.

 

@NkosieLegend