The national boxing team head coach, Musa Benjamin, has voiced his frustration over the lack of resources and support for the team's preparations ahead of the upcoming Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships. The competition is scheduled to take place at the Kasarani Gymnasium in Nairobi from October 16 to 24.
The squad has been in training in camp for the last 10 days in Dandora as they prepare for the continental event that will take place on home soil, as the team aims to win at title they lost to the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC.
With the competition just two days away, one would imagine a settled camp exists but that is far from reality.
As reported by Citizen Digital, Benjamin has pointed out that the team has faced significant challenges due to the absence of a proper residential training camp. The Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK), in a revealed that the pugilists will begin residential training camp at the Police Deport Hall in Nairobi on Monday.
"Training has not been easy, without adequate funding, it’s impossible to fully implement our program," Benjamin stated. "In the past, we’ve had the benefit of residential camps, but this time, we’re stuck with non-residential training setups. It's a tough situation,” he lamented.
Despite these setbacks, Benjamin remains focused on their goal of securing the team title at the championships, which they lost to DRC back in 2022.
"We’re not just showing up to participate; we are here to win. Without the ambition of taking the overall title, there would be no point in competing. Our sights are set on that victory," he added confidently, he added.
However, due to a shortage of depth, especially in women's boxing and the heavier men’s weight categories, the technical bench has opted for a streamlined team of 34.
“I’m the happiest coach today, seeing new boys and girls earn the opportunity to represent Kenya. We’re still discussing the possibility of adding a few more boxers.
“Regardless of the outcomes, it’s a joy to see more athletes living their dream of wearing national colors,” said coach Musa.
The squad features 12 first timers, 10 men and two women. They will compete internationally for the first time. Among them are:
Diouf Muimi (Flyweight), Emmanuel Chondo (Bantamweight), Paul Omondi, Mwinyi Kombo (Featherweights), Washington Wandera (Lightweight), Caleb Wandera (Light-welterweight), Wiseman Kavondo (Welterweight), Alvin Oduor (Light-middleweight), John Oyugi (Heavyweight), Jane Wangare (Women’s Minimumweight) and Sheila Auma (Women’s Bantamweight).
Among the returning boxers is Lorna Kusa, silver medalist at the 2022 Zone 3 Championships in Kinshasa.
She moves up to light-heavyweight, while team captain Elizabeth Andiego drops to middleweight.
Both women have been stalwarts of the national team since 2010, when they debuted at the Women’s World Championships in Barbados.
Full Team List for Africa Zone 3 Championships
Men’s Team
Silas Onyango, Abednego Kyalo (Minimum weight 48kg), Diouf Muimi, Kelvin Maina (Flyweight 51kg),
Shaffi Bakari, Emmanuel Chondo (Bantamweight 54kg), Paul Omondi, Mwinyi Kombo (Featherweight 57kg), Washington Wandera, Ethan Maina (Lightweight 60kg), Aloice Vincent, Caleb Wandera (Light-welterweight 63.5kg), Joseph Shighali, Wiseman Kavondo Welterweight 67kg), Bonny Mogunde, Alvin Oduor (Light-middleweight 71kg), Edwin Okon’go, Cosby Ouma (Middleweight 75kg), Humphrey Ochieng (Light-heavyweight 80kg) Chris Ochanda (Cruiserweight 86kg) Peter Abuti, John Oyugi (Heavyweight 92kg) and Clinton Macharia (Super-heavyweight (92+kg).
Women’s Team
Jane Wangari (Minimumweight 48kg), Lencer Akinyi (Light-flyweight 50kg), Veronica Mbithe, Faith Nafuna (Flyweight 52kg), Amina Martha, Sheila Auma (Bantamweight 54kg), Emily Juma (Lightweight 60kg), Cynthia Mwai (Light-welterweight 35kg), Friza Anyango (Welterweight 66kg), Liz Andiego (Middleweight 75kg), and Lorna Kusa (Light-heavyweight 81kg).
Technical Team
Head Coach: Musa Benjamin
Coaches: David Munuhe, John Waweru
Trainers: Julius Theuri, John 'Chea' Omondi, James Wasao
Team Doctor: Dr. Julius Ogeto
Physiotherapists: Sospeter Kinuthia, Justus Mutinda Kyalo