Gwanda boxing tournament lives to billing

Nhlanhla Mbele 

THE back-by-popular-demand Injanji Investments-sponsored boxing tournament that took place at the Injanji Waterfront on 28 September left the crowd begging for more.

The tournament started at 2pm and went on until 4am and it still left people asking for more, a sign that it was a success.

The turnout led the Zimbabwe Boxing Federation to consider bringing The National Championships to Gwanda.

Tomang Pindi, the sponsor of the tournament, said he was encouraged by the success of this second event. 

“I will continue to bring boxing to Gwanda to encourage more youths to take up this sport. It helps to keep them off the street. It will also make them to be fit and healthy.” 

The Gwanda community at large and the residents of Spitzkop had a time of their life and witnessing the game of boxing live was a great opportunity to some of them.

Elvis Nyoni, a Gwanda resident from Spitzkop said: “I was very excited to see boxing live. This was the first time for me, wife and kids. We enjoyed everything in this event. I hope the organisers will bring this again for us.”

The main bout of the tournament was between Tashinga Manyika, heavy weight of the Zimbabwe National Army, and Farai Makombe of Gwanda Boxing Club representing Matabeleland South Province. Makombe emerged victorious.

Gwanda boxing club coach Clinton Walderman said: “I’m pleased that most of my boxers represented our province (Matabeleland South). They put up a good fight against some of the best boxers in the country. If we continue working hard the sky is the limit for this team. 

“Most of them are still upcoming and young but they have won pieces of medals nationally. We have also Farai Makombe middle weight at 75kgs and who is fierce in the ring and won against Tashinga Manyika who is heavy weight at 85kgs from the Zimbabwe National Army.”

Walderman appealed to the business community and individuals to support these talented boys and girls with sponsorship.

He thanked the sponsors of the tournament and the ZBF for their assistance. 

“I also appreciate the Zimbabwe National Army and Air Force who brought their teams and other clubs from all our provinces,” said Walderman.

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