Kenya’s boxing team, the Hit Squad, is confident of winning continental honours as Nairobi hosts the inaugural World Boxing Elite Africa Men’s and Women’s Championships, whick kick-off Thursday October 15 in Nairobi.
The high epectations are despite a split in African boxing that has forced national federations to choose between two competing tournaments.
The championships, organised under the World Boxing umbrella, will run until October 28 at the Moi International Sports Centre’s Kasarani Indoor Arena. Organisers have confirmed the participation of 20 countries.
However, the tournament unfolds against a backdrop of division in the sport. The 79-year-old International Boxing Association (IBA) will stage the 23rd African Boxing Confederation Championships in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, from October 18 to November 1.
Despite the competing events, Kenya’s camp is confident that home advantage, thorough preparation and a strong squad will give the hosts an edge.
Kenya will field 40 boxers, led by captain Boniface Mogunde, who believes the team has what it takes to secure the continental title on home soil. Mogunde says the squad’s preparation has strengthened its confidence, while he also targets a successful defence of his individual light-middleweight title.
“It is a great honour that this competition is being held here in Kenya, and we, as boxers, are ready. We have been well-prepared by our coaches, and we are fortunate to have a large squad, which allows for sparring during training sessions with boxers from different categories,” said Mogunde.
The team’s confidence is echoed by Amina Martha, a journalist and digital strategist representing Kenya in the competition. She is targeting gold in the bantamweight category after two weeks of training at the Police Depot in Nairobi.
“Preparations have gone well. We have been in a training camp here at the Police Depot for two weeks, ticking off almost all our boxes. We have gained so much and are ready for the games,” she said.
With Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania and other nations expected in Nairobi, Kenya’s boxers face a stern test.
The hosts, however, remain confident that disciplined performances, thorough preparation and home support will translate into medals.