Boxers shortlisted for Zim team

THE Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) says it is happy with the level of competition showcased at the open national team selection tournament held here at the weekend.

National coach Mphilisi Moyo shortlisted a few names for the Zone IV Games that will be held in Angola from April 25-30.

ZBF wants to build a team that will also represent the country in the

2020 Olympics, according to the president Jim Mpalale.

Mpalale said their vision was to build a formidable Team Zimbabwe to represent the country for future tournaments.

“We are happy with what we saw as we are not only looking at Angola, but also the Olympics in Japan in 2020. Our vision is to have a team and we will start with about 20 boxers in Zimbabwe A and B,” said Mpalale.

A total of 30 bouts took place at the weekend event that was dominated by Zimbabwe National Army boxers.

ZNA’s Ndodana Moyo and Thulani Mpindu association’s dominated their contests.

Heavyweight boxer Liberty Chisowa from Hwange refused to get into the ring to face Shingirai Mafemera from 3 Brigade.

Mpalale was impressed by the match pitting welterweight boxers Freeman Mabvongwe from Zaka and Prince Carter of Bulawayo which he said “was a good bout to watch”.

Some of the boxers identified by coach Moyo are Tinashe Majoni from Masvingo, Treddy Nkomazana (Bulawayo), Clever Sithole, Ndodana Moyo, Ndodana Ncube, Zibusiso Ncube, Thulani Mpindu and Evans Usaviwevhu (lightweight), while in the females’ category Melisa Matanhire from Mashonaland East and Chiedza Hokohama are being assessed.

The coach said he wants a team of six men and two women for the Angola tournament.

“We are happy that the guys we had earmarked did well so we will now just continue to monitor them,” said Moyo.

Victoria Falls Boxing Academy’s Tobias Owen Mposiwa organised the event with the help of Victoria Falls Liquorama and Mandebele Lodge as sponsors. — @ncubeleon