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Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter

The inaugural Binga boxing tournament which was held on Saturday was a resounding success and attracted about 500 fans who witnessed the boxers trading leather.

The tournament could, however, not attract boxers and clubs from outside Matabeleland and this was attributed to the long distances involved.

Nine divisions were contested during the tournament and these were the Pee Wee division, Pin division, Welter division, Paper division, Feather division, Mosquito division, Grey division, Middle division and Light Welter division.

The divisions were grouped according to weight starting from 20kg, with most of the groups being Under 14s.

The Pee Wee division was won by Tomutenda Matebge from Bulawayo after he beat Clive Ncube from Victoria Falls Boxing Academy.

Given Ncube from Victoria Falls Boxing Academy won the Pin division after beating Wandile Sibanda also from Victoria Falls. Ticky Mudenda from Victoria Falls beat Tapiwa Basket from Bulawayo.

All the wins were by a 3-0 unanimous decision.

In the Welter division, Lwazi Mpofu from HQ1 Brigade won by the judges’ decision against Nqobile Tshuma. Lennox Chigango from Victoria Fall was the victor over Mqele Moyo in the Paper division. Divine Mwinde beat Romeo Msipha from Hwange in the Mosquito division.

Wayne Ncube from Hwange defeated Kelvin Tauyana from Victoria Falls in the Feather division.

The Grey division was won by Mbalenhle Shoko after she beat Wandisa Sibanda. Innocent Sibanda beat Brandon Tawonekwa in the middle division.

In the Light Welter division, Washington Sibanda beat Andile Moyo, Ticky Mudenda was too strong for Cyril Musinamwana and Clive Wasarirebvu beat Phillip Moyo.

Technical director at Zimbabwe Boxing Federation Steven Masiyambumbi said despite hosting a successful tournament, he is disappointed because people as old as 60 turned up wanting to participate.

He said this was a confirmation that such people were denied an opportunity to take up boxing as a career.

“This tournament should have been introduced a long time ago to benefit these people who now want to take up boxing at a time they are supposed to have retired,” said Masiyambumbi.

He said boxing tournaments should be held across the country to enable as many people as possible access to this sporting discipline.

“We end up leaving gifted boxers in the remote areas where these tournaments are not held,” said Masiyambumbi.

He said Zimbabwe Boxing Federation was therefore trying to spread the sport to all corners of the country but lack of resources remains the major challenge.

“The talent is there and all that is needed is to ensure all areas are covered as we scout for talent,” said Masiyambumbi.

The federation is hoping to host district tournaments twice a year if it gets support.

“Without money and equipment, we cannot do anything hence we appeal to the Sports and Recreation Commission, the Zimbabwe Olympic Committee and the Ministry of   Sports to assist with resources,” said Masiyambumbi.