Story by Tapiwa Machemedze

THE National Boxing Tournament held in Mvurwi over the weekend lived up to its billing, with 200 boxers from various parts of the country converging for the tournament.

“I play for Roygri Club, it was a nice game, but tough. We are going for the Mandela Cup in Durban,” said a boxer.

Another said, “I played well and I was selected now I am waiting to go for a camp in Victoria Falls while preparing to go to the Mandela Cup, so we just need a bit more sponsorship so that we can go fit and strong.”

The boxing tournament also provided a platform for the selection of a team to represent Zimbabwe in the Nelson Mandela Cup set for Durban, South Africa later this year.

Team Zimbabwe manager, Fortune Dube said, “We have undergone a comprehensive selection process to select team Zimbabwe. We have come up with a team which will raise the flag high. We have a host of issues bedevilling our team. We are still looking forward to the corporate world to assist the team with possible means, be it financially or in kind.”

Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo urged the South African bound boxers to raise the nation’s flag high.

“We hope you will go and excel. We wish you the best and want you to bring the medals back home.”

The national boxing tournament was oversubscribed with some boxers failing to conduct their fights before the conclusion of the event.