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Sibhekisipho Fayayo
Zimbabwe boxing coach, Petros Masiyambumbi yesterday expressed disappointment at the judges as he feels two of his boxers should have proceeded to the next round of African Union Sports Council Region 5 Under-20 Youth Games. Zimbabwean boxers got off to a bad start in the regional games as only one boxer managed to proceed to the next round in fights staged on Saturday at the Large City Hall.

Five boxers took to the ring and only Ndodana Ncube emerged victorious after beating South Africa’s Abram Kamogelo Radebe in the light flyweight category, with the rest being knocked out of the competition.

However, Masiyambumbi believes two of his boxers should have proceeded to the next round.

“Spencer (Mhuruyengwe) fought very well. We feel he was cheated as he was in control throughout the whole three rounds. Even the crowd was shocked when the points were in favour of his opponent.

“The same applies to Samson (Masiyambumbi) who also gave a good account of himself despite fighting a Zambian opponent who looked older. From his stamina, strength and the way he fought you could tell that the guy is over-age,” remonstrated Masiyambumbi.

Mhuruyengwe was beaten by Alino Masamba of Zambia in the lightweight category while Steven Masiyambumbi also lost to a Zambian opponent, Nkumbu Silingu in the same category.

Despite questions being raised over the age of the Zambians, the regional organising committee has cleared the Zambian team of age cheating.

Boxing continues today with Zimbabwe’s boxers competing in the semi finals.

Ndodana Ncube fights against Mohamed Ontukelo of Botswana in the light flyweight category while Tredy Nkomozabo clashes with Thomas Mashihanga of Namibia in the flyweight category.

In the finals scheduled for later on this week Zimbabwe has three boxers.

Herbert Marimbo Rumbidzai is set to clash with Itingi Max of Namibia in the light heavyweight category while Nelson Itai Mutsvairo will wait for the winner between Brandon Gerere of Namibia and Nthuko Ngamo of South Africa in the same category.

In the heavyweight category Ndaba Nhlanhla Kumbirai will fight Leite Danilo Aegeb of Angola.