Some have quit, others are starving
NOT only has the coronavirus killed hundreds of Zimbabweans since its outbreak over 13 months ago, but the deadly pandemic has disrupted the livelihoods of scores of female boxers who solely depend on the sport.
Some female pugilists have already quit the sport while others are seriously mulling their next move as boxing continues to be sidelined by Covid-19.
The Government announced a fresh lockdown early this month and the Sports and Recreation Commission obliged by banning all sporting activities indefinitely.
The move has left many female boxers reeling.
One of the country’s brightest prospects, Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire, quit boxing last year, while super bantamweight national champion Zvikomborero Danzwa is seriously considering hanging up her gloves, just under three years after making her professional debut.
“It is hard for us these days. We are struggling to survive,” said the 20-yearold boxer.
“I have been thinking of quitting because as it is, I do not see a bright future for myself in this sport,” the Mbare-based pugilist said.
Danzwa turned professional in March 2018 and now has eight professional fights under her belt. She has a record of five wins, two losses, and a draw.
Veteran boxer Monalisa Sibanda has not defended her Women’s International Boxing Association ( WIBA) intercontinental lightweight title since April 2019.
Sibanda won the belt after defeating Joyce Awino of Kenya, but the 35-year-old has not stepped into the ring since then.
Although she was a beneficiary of some Covid-19 relief funds sourced for some sports personalities last year, Sibanda says she is now feeling the heat.
“Now I can boldly say I am adversely affected because I was focusing on my title defence, but I am stuck here at home,” she said.
“I am a single mother and depend on boxing for survival. I can only get money when I fight.
“I am, therefore, appealing to Government to look after sportspersons in these trying times. I’m also pleading with the corporate world and individual sponsors with the capacity to chip in with both financial and material support for sportspeople who have not been at work for over 12 months now.”
She added: “Boxing helps young girls in a lot of ways. It takes them away from drugs, prostitution, and early marriages.
“So, when there is no boxing, imagine what will happen to the young girls who have taken the sport as a profession.
“However, I have faith in God and I thank Him for the precious gift of life. We should put our health before anything.”
Super featherweight star, Chiedza “The Queen Tiger” Homakoma, is also in a dilemma.
“We can only make money when we fight and there have been no fights since 2019. You can imagine the quandary that we find ourselves in,” bemoaned the 30-year-old.
“I am pondering my next move. Had it been not for the closed borders, I would have crossed into South Africa to look for something else to do,” Homakoma said.
Meanwhile, boxing still has no leadership following the expiry of the Richard Hondo-led board in January 2020.
Youth, Sport, Arts and Recreation Minister Kirsty Coventry is yet to appoint a new board.
She recently revealed that candidates were still going through vetting.