Retired boxing star Kennedy Kanyanta has appealed to government and the corporate world to help Zambia participate in this month’s International Boxing Association (IBA) Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Championship in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF) is struggling to raise K1.2 million needed for Team Zambia to travel to Kinshasa for the championship slated for October 19 to November 1.
Zambia is expected to field 14 boxers – seven men and seven women – at the continental showpiece.
Kanyanta, who is now a boxing coach and 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, said Zambia, as a powerhouse in African boxing, cannot afford to miss the tournament.
“It is very important that Zambia participates in the IBA tournament coming up in DR Congo. That is where our prowess could be shown as a nation,” Kanyanta said.
“As a powerhouse in African boxing we need to continue exposing our boxers to international competitions.”
The former national boxing coach said international exposure is critical for the development of local pugilists and technical benches.
“Such tournaments help coaches to assess areas of improvement for our boxers. The other important thing is that the IBA tournament will help to upgrade the standards of our boxers as they are exposed to such international games. Exposure is very important to the boxers,” he said.
National Coach Charles Kangwa has drawn his provisional squad from Green Buffaloes, Green Eagles, Red Arrows and Exodus boxing stables.
At his peak, Kanyanta won bronze at the 2007 All Africa Games and the African Boxing Union (ABU) bantamweight title.
PROVISIONAL SQUAD
Men: Mengo Mwale, Emmanuel Katema, Albert Ngulube, Andrew Chilata, Gabriel Mukuka, Gerald Kabinda, Elias Banda, Nene Mahonga and Jonathan Mwiinga.
Women: Catherine Mwape, Felistus Nkandu, Maureen Tembo, Joana Bwalya, Chipo Kapempe, Violet Moonga and Patricia Bwalya.
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