Mau Mau’s 30-year boxing journey

challenge a WBC-rated boxer. I do not know where we are going. Anyone can challenge me on that one, but that is a fact,” Mau Mau said.

Since 1989 when he ventured into the sport, Mau Mau has worked with scores of highly rated boxers, including former Commonwealth flyweight champion Arifonso “Mosquito” Zvenyika. Zvenyika reached his zenith when he won the Commonwealth title after defeating Paul Weir of the United Kingdom at the Forte Cresta Hotel in Glasgow, Scotland, on January 26, 1998.

He successfully defended his title against another British boxer, Keith Knox, six months later, before finally relinquishing the Commonwealth belt to Damien Kelly on December 12, 1998. Mau Mau feels that Zimbabwe should go back to those days when the nation’s boxers would fight for “recognised” titles.

“Mine has been a long boxing journey, half of my life has been boxing. There were times when I wanted to quit but I soldiered on using my own resources. I started way back and worked with the likes of Trust Ndlovu, Anderson Size (late), and of course Mosquito (Zvenyika). Who doesn’t remember the heights that he (Zvenyika) scaled?

“As I grow older, that is why I feel I still have more to offer. In fact, I will die in boxing. Mine is not just passion, it is a vision to take Zimbabwe back to where it belongs boxing wise.”

In this 30-year journey, the 66-year-old Highfield-bred and former amateur boxer also worked with boxers such as Brian Kufahakuurayi, Kizito Mutawa (late), Ambrose Mlilo, Modecai “Big Fish” Donga, Farai Master Kachigwada, Misheck Kondwani and the Musiiwa brothers - Farai and Godfrey.

“Kondwani and Musiiwa, if you remember, both had a crack at the Commonwealth title. I have also worked with a number of female pugilists. Currently, I have Talent Nyagura and Zvikomborero Danzwa in the Mau Mau stable.”

As part of celebrating his 30 years in boxing,

Mau Mau is planning to host a symposium in April, aimed at appraising the local fraternity on the ever changing boxing trends.

“Local boxing people are not on the same wavelength in terms of understanding the dynamics of the sport. Most people, including managers, promoters and members of the media industry, do not have a full appreciation of boxing ethics and the rules governing the sport. Some can’t even differentiate between a TKO and a KO, some don’t how the scoring is done.

“That is why we are arranging a boxing symposium. We will also talk about the relevance of some of these sanctioning bodies at this forum.

“We are going to have resource people from Zambia, Malawi and South Africa. I tell you, the understanding of the sport in Zimbabwe will never be the same after this symposium.

“There is need for our people to guard against being used as cannon fodder by these sprouting bodies. Maybe it’s all because of money, our boxers are now fighting for any title. I believe it’s better to first fight for peanuts before going for real diamonds.

“Therefore, we are continuing with our Peanuts to Diamonds boxing nights. On February 22 we are back at Magamba Hall in Warren Park, which has become our new boxing home,” said the veteran promoter.

WHILE it will most likely come as a surprise, Hilton Mudariki has only been playing international rugby for just over seven years now.

Since he made his international Sevens and 15s debuts back in 2013, the 27-year-old has been a loyal son, serving the green and white stripes with distinction. And as the veteran scrumhalf approaches the dreaded 30-year mark, Mudariki has earned the right to do pretty much whatever his heart desires.

He recently signed on the dotted line with Harare Sports Club, while pouring water on talks of retiring and reaffirming his commitment to the national cause.

“In terms of my international career, I am happy and content with where I am at this juncture in life,” said Mudariki.

“Obviously I have that desire to keep learning, to keep moving and to reach the highest level.

“There is still plenty of gas in the tank, retirement isn’t something that I am thinking of at this particular time.

“I plan on playing more rugby, both the Sevens and the 15s game.

“I do have a bucket list, definitely playing at a World Cup tournament is one of my targets, and that refers to both the Sevens and the 15s game.

“I missed the opportunity to play at the last Sevens’ World Cup owing to club commitments. I would also like to grace the Olympics,” he said.

With his future targets spelt out, Mudariki’s immediate task is to help shoulder the burden as Zimbabwe prepare to take their bow at the World Rugby Sevens Challenger Series in Chile this week.

The tournament, slated for February 14 to 16, is a 13-team tournament that will feature Brazil, Chile, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Portugal, Tonga, Uganda, Uruguay and Zimbabwe.

They will compete over three rounds alongside three invitational teams which will come from the Americas, including Colombia, Mexico and Paraguay.

The first leg of the tournament will be held in Chile this weekend, with Zimbabwe pooled alongside the hosts Chile, Brazil and Mexico.

However, the Cheetahs camp has been hit by the withdrawal of three key players - Tafadzwa Chitokwindo, Blithe Masevere and Godfrey Muzanargwo,

Mudariki is more than ready to step up to the plate.

“Let me start off by saying that the introduction of this Challenger series is a very welcome development, especially for second tier teams like us. We rarely get adequate game time during the course of the year,” said Mudariki.

“The Olympics remain the main target and these two legs guarantee us at least two competitive tournaments. We will get three if we qualify for Hong Kong at the end of the tournament. All this will be vital for preparations of the Repechage tournament later on during the year,” said the 27-yearold.

“A couple of guys will be missing in Blithe, Goddy and Chitokwindo; and they definitely will be missed, especially Chitokwindo who brings a wealth of experience having been with the team for a long time.

“We definitely miss his leadership. Guys like Blithe and Godfrey are young but promising. They have shown that they have what it takes to compete at this level.

“The onus will be on the senior guys, like myself, to raise our game and provide the cover. It’s one of my 2020 goals - to ensure that I step up and keep improving as a player. l have to set the right examples both on and off the field.

“It won’t be easy in Chile given that we have limited knowledge on our opponents having played both Chile and Brazil just once. We just have to make sure that we are prepared and play well,” he said.