Kenya’s National Boxing Team is gearing up to compete in the Africa Zone Three Championships, set to take place from April 18-23, 2023, in Tanzania at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium.
The team, consisting of 21 boxers, was announced by the national team head coach, Musa Benjamin, after leading the last phases of the Hit Squad sparring sessions in Nairobi.
The team boasts notable boxers such as Elizabeth Andiego and Christine Ongare, with Andiego serving as the overall team captain.
Boniface Mugunde, the new captain of the men’s team, will be replacing retired boxer Nick Okoth, who retired last year. The men’s team will also include Samuel Njau and Elly Ajowi.
“Mugunde will be our new men’s captain and we hope that he will lead the team in a positive direction having been a long time team member,” the head Coach said.
The team is determined to perform better than in the previous championships, where they finished second overall with 17 medals.
“I know we set a high bar in the 2022 games in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” Musa reflected on the outstanding Hit Squad performances last term that saw the team bag 17 total medals finishing second in the overall standings. “Our plan is to make sure that we put up better performances this time round and be top.” Musa assured.
With Steve Olang’, Emily Juma, and Pauline Chege making their zonal debuts, the team will hit camp for another week under the guidance of Nick Okoth and team trainers David Munuhe and Julius Theuri.
The Africa Zone Three Championships will not only provide Kenya’s boxers with an excellent opportunity to showcase their skills and compete at a high level, but also to gain valuable experience and prepare for upcoming international competitions.
Kenya, Tanzania, and DR Congo are among the six countries that have confirmed their participation and announced their squads for the tournament. Kenya’s roster is particularly strong, and with their experienced coaching staff, they are expected to perform well in the event.
FULL SQUAD
MEN
Abednego Kyalo
David Karanja
Shaffi Bakari
Samuel Njau
Ethan Maina
Joseph Shighali
Steve Olang
Bonface Mugunde
Edwin Okong’o
Hezron Maganga
Robert Okaka
Peter Abuti
Elly Ajowi
WOMEN
Christine Ongare
Veronica Mbithe
Emily Juma
Amina Martha
Pauline Chege
Stacy Ayoma
Frizah Anyango
Elizabeth Andiego
