Okaka, Mogunde make Kenya proud with wins
Boxing
By
Ben Ahenda
| Aug 01, 2023
For the first time in so many boxing outings, Kenya won her first two matches on Monday, in the Africa Championships in Yaounde, Cameroon.
The wins came through Africa Zone Three Three light middleweight silver medallist Boniface Mogunde and upcoming heavyweight sensation Robert Okaka.
Okaka took one minute and 21 seconds to overwhelm Ugandan Idirisa Mukibi, which left South African referee Gideon Vumazonke Mazizandile with no option but stop the contest (RSC) in the first round.
The victory must have given Okaka confidence required in such events taking into account this is his second international championships after competing in the world championships in Tashkent in May.
Mogunde, who boxes for league champions Kenya Police, followed it with another 4-1 split-point victory against Nduwarugira Nestor of Burundi.
READ MORE
Why AFC must sing a new song as they seek to restore lost glory
Why nostalgia is a dangerous thing at AFC Leopards
Why Ingwe want to make 60 anniversary memorable
AFC Leopards 60: President Ruto urges Ingwe to adopt corporate model
AFC usher 60th anniversary celebrations in style
Man wants court to scrap mandatory retirement age of 60
How has Kenya changed in 60 years
British colonial plan to wipe out Kenyans that came a cropper
Jamhuri and sale of false hope
There is much to be hopeful for despite wasted opportunities
The two victories have given the Kenyan pugilists invaluable morale especially for those boxers who are yet to take on the ring.
Head coach Musa Benjamin was equally an elated man due to that impressive performance.
"This is good for the team and the rest of the boxers who are yet to take the ring. It gives them morale to follow suit," Benjamin told Standard Sports.
Kenya sent a full squad of ten male and five female boxers for the showpiece, which for the first, will see boxers who reach quarterfinals, being rewarded with cash prizes.
Female welterweight boxer Friza Anyango is one of the female boxers who was elated by those two victories.
Anyango, who takes on Bel Ahbib Oumayma of Morocco in the pre-quarters, said she aims on reaching the finals.
"My preparations have been good as my urge is to reach the finals," she told Standard Sports.