As the penultimate leg of the National Boxing League heads to Nanyuki on Thursday next week, champions Kenya Police and Kenya Defence Forces are the front runners for the title.
The policemen stand a better chance to retain the title as they lead the standings with 87 points, 15 ahead of KDF who have posted 72 points as Kenya Prisons come a distant third with 27 points.
The league leaders need to win the Nanyuki leg to be assured of retaining the title and make the final leg a formality as they bask in glory for a sixth consecutive title and coach David Munuhe is aware of the task ahead of him.
“It’s not easy but our preparation gives us a better chance to do well in the competition,” said Munuhe.
Police won the second leg in Nakuru with 32 points ahead of KDF in 25 points while former champions Kenya Prisons came third with 16 points.
Prisons coach Bernard Ngumba indicated that it’s just a matter of time before they catch up with the first two teams in the fight for top honours in the league championships.
“We just recruited recently and these boxers need time to mature before we can compete effectively with the established teams but we are equal to the task,” he told Standard Sports during the third leg in Nakuru.
Police captain Boniface Mogunde said nothing will stop them from retaining the title adding that they have enough ammunition in their armoury to do the job.
“We are determined to do it as we are prepared to win the title having had enough training sessions for the past weeks in readiness for the league championships,” he said.
The same sentiments were echoed by Mogunde’s teammate in light heavyweight Humphrey ‘Jakababa’ Ochieng’ who is eager to be selected into the team that will take part in the World Olympic Qualifiers.
“Being selected into one of teams that will take part in the World Olympic Qualifiers is my first priority and that’s why I’m serious with my performance in the league championships,” he said.
National coaches are using the league championships to scout for players headed for the global Olympic qualifiers
