Eight boxers jet out tonight for World Championships in Kazakhstan

By ERNEST NDUNDA

Kenyas'national boxing team

The national boxing team jets out of the country on Wednesday night for the AIBA World Championships, which punches off on Friday in Almaty, Kazakhstan.

Boxing Association of Kenya national Chairman John Kameta said the eight boxers started their residential training last week.

“The team is in high morale and we expect good results from the boxers,” said Kameta on Tuesday in an interview in Mombasa.

The World Championship takes place on October 11 -17.

He said the government has facilitated the team with traveling, accommodation and meals but added that the boxers will do without allowances.

“Despite some pressing issues, confidence is high and the boys have vowed to give their best in Kazakhstan,” said Kameta who also leaves tomorrow to attend the IABA National Congress on Saturday.

Albert Matito is the head coach and will be assisted by Patrick Wamwea, Patrick Maina, George “Foreman” Onyango and Francis Kahaari as Team Manager.

The “Dream” team comprises of Peter Mungai, Benson Gicharu, P. Opondi and Eli Anjowi all from Police, Simon Mulinge and Nickson Abaka both from Kenya Defence Force (KDF).  Others are Dennis Okoth, Rayton Okwiri and Daniel Shisia.

special training

Kameta said two boxers Benson Gicharu and Rayton Okwiri left the country two weeks ago accompanied by coach Foreman for a special training in Kazakhstan ahead of the World Championships.

The Chairman said Gicharu and Okwiri have been training at a training dubbed “Road to Almaty” fully sponsored by the International Boxing Association.

The chairman at the same time announced plans are at an advanced stage to organize a coaching clinic for over 50 coaches in the country.

He added that the international body has agreed to provide a top-class coach from Kazakhstan to train Kenyan coaches.

“We want to have a date base of all our coaches after they attain the IBA coaching certificates,” said Kameta.

He added his office would draft new rules where local clubs would benefit if their boxer(s) join big clubs.

“We want local clubs to benefit financially and materially if their boxers are poached by big clubs such as KDF, Police, Prison among others so as to encourage them to continue tapping talents at the grassroots,” said Kameta.

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