Story by Anashe Murombedzi
MONALISA Sibanda’s name is etched in Zimbabwe’s sporting history as the country’s first licensed female professional boxer, a title she earned through resilience, defiance, and the will to rise above pain. Her story is one of personal tragedy transformed into triumph, of a young woman who turned grief into grit, and adversity into a destiny that continues to inspire.
Born and raised in Harare’s high-density suburb of Mabvuku, Sibanda was brought up by her grandmother after the death of her mother when she was just nine years old. The home she grew up in was scarred by domestic abuse, but within that pain, a fighting spirit was born.
“When my mother died, I was nine. I wanted to be strong enough to avenge her. I did not know boxing would become my life,” Zimbabwe’s Top Female Boxer, Monalisa Sibanda said.
From carrying the kit of an ageing pugilist to sparring with local fighters, Sibanda’s passion grew.
She even played marimba with the famed Hohodza band, but the ring always sounded louder.
“Besides boxing, I was also a skilled dancer and had the opportunity to join renowned marimba bands, including Hohodza. However, my grandmother was not too keen on the idea, fearing I would get mixed up with undisciplined people. I was particularly disappointed since the band was set to tour the UK at the time, and I had my heart set on making it my first international tour. Despite this, my grandmother encouraged me to refocus on boxing, believing it was where my true potential lay,” she said.
Her big break came under the Zimbabwe National Army School of Sports, a televised bout which earned her the name “Queen of the Jungle” a woman rewriting the rules of a male-dominated sport.
“After my high-profile fight against Zambian professional boxer Esther Phiri, facilitated by Lieutenant Mordecai Donga, I discovered a shocking reality: there were no laws recognising women as professional boxers in Zimbabwe. This sparked a determination within me to challenge the status quo and become a trailblazer. When I was almost denied the opportunity to participate in a return match in Zambia, I sought the assistance of former Minister Webster Shamu, who helped me secure the necessary license. This marked a historic moment, as I became Zimbabwe’s first licensed female professional boxer,” she said.
Sibanda went on to beat Zambian legend, Esther Phiri and in 2019, lifted the WIBO world title in Kenya.
“Winning that first title was a dream come true. I cried. It took time, but I knew I deserved it,” she said.
One dream lingers – meeting President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
Now 42 and a mother of four, Monalisa Sibanda is eyeing a move into Mixed Martial Arts before she hangs up the gloves.
