QUEEN OF THE JUNGLE TURNS 40
WOMEN’S International Boxing Association (WIBA) intercontinental lightweight champion, Monalisa Sibanda, turns 40 years old today and has no plans of retiring yet.
She is set for her the biggest career fight when she faces Germany's Alicia Kummer in the ring in April.
“I started boxing when I was nine at Mabvuku Primary School. I have been a sportsperson since I was in Grade 3 and I even represented the national team in Softball. I think I can still go for a number of years because I am disciplined,” she said.
“I grew up under the care of my grandmother, as my mother died due to domestic violence. When I couldn't continue with my education due to financial problems, I then resorted to boxing.
“At 14, I was the only girl in the gym. It was not difficult for me because I was welcomed and I easily copied the training routines because I was already an athlete,” she said.
“When I started, I didn't know that boxing was going to be my career.
“But when I went to tournaments and couldn't find girls to fight, I started fighting with boys my age and beat some of them, so it pushed me.
“I have four children, and one would have thought that after giving birth I would quit, but somehow, I always found the push to carry on. One of my children passed away in a car accident and it was all difficult for me,” she said.
Sibanda also revealed that she is a prophet at her church in one of the apostolic sects.
“I also have a calling. I grew up under the tutelage of my grandfather, who was a prophet. I used to have dreams and then preach in church.
“When I got married, I almost quit boxing, but I managed to separate my career from home,” she said.