Hit Squad set to grace inaugural Mandela Cup in South Africa

Kenya boxing national team - Hit Squad - will participate in this year’s inaugural African Boxing Cup, Mandela Cup, named after the first democratically elected President of South Africa - Nelson Mandela.

The championships, set to incorporate 13 categories in the men’s division and 12 in the women’s division, is scheduled to take place from 9-14 October 2023 at the Durban International Convention Centre.

The Mandela Cup will be held by the South African Boxing Organization (SANABO) and supported by the IBA, AFBC and Thembekile Mandela Foundation (TMF) with Ndileka Mandela, who is its Founder and CEO, granddaughter of Nelson Mandela.

As per Boxing Federation of Kenya Communications Director Duncan Kuria, Kenya will field a squad of 14 boxers; five women and nine men, who will join other African boxers in the IBA-sponsored event that will also offer an exceptional prize fund across all 25 weight categories.

“Our preparations have already begun and the boxers are having non-residential training at the Mathare Police Depot,” Kuria said.

Among the boxers called up include; overall team captain and 2022 Africa Boxing Championships Elizabeth Andiego, 2021 Olympian Christine Ongare, and the men’s team skipper Boniface Mugunde.

On the unveiling of the event, IBA President Umar Kremlev noted its importance, stating: “We are immensely proud to be launching the African Boxing Cup named in honor of Nelson Mandela, a man who symbolized the indomitable human spirit and the fight for freedom and equality. Mandela was very closely linked to boxing; despite that he had never fought.

“This emphasizes the core values of our sport. It doesn’t matter whether you just practice boxing or fight at the elite level, boxing gives you all it has.”

“This event aims to foster unity, celebrate diversity, and elevate boxing talent across Africa,” President Kremlev went on to say. "With Durban as the host city and an exceptional prize fund, this competition marks a historic moment in the sport of boxing. It is a commitment to nurturing talent, empowering communities, and promoting sportsmanship in the great continent of Africa.”

Andiego's hopes for Olympics ticket suffers huge dent after losing to EL Mardi

The AFBC Congress is also set to take place on 13 October on the sidelines of the Mandela Cup.

The delegates will elect the new AFBC President to succeed Mr. Bertrand Mendouga. Currently, Mr Azania Omo-Agege is the Interim President of AFBC. The candidates will be announced after rigorous integrity checks.

In addition, IBA will host a Board of Directors meeting during this celebration of African boxing.

FULL SQUAD: Abednego Kyalo, David Karanja, Kevin Maina, Shaffi Bakari, Vincent Aloyce, Boniface Mugunde, Pauline Chege, Amina Martha, Frizah Anyango, Edwin Okong’o, Peter Abuti, Elizabeth Andiego, Christine Ongare, Peter Abuti, Frederick Ramogi.