Boxing: All Africa Games squad to be picked in Mombasa

Humphrey Ochieng (left) of KDF in action against James Osoro. [Gideon Maundu]

As the third leg of the National Boxing League heads to Mombasa from Thursday to Saturday, it will be more than just victory for the boxers.

With coaches set to pick the national team for this year’s All African Games during the three-day championships, the boxers will no doubt be in their best shape, just to make the cut.

Besides being a league tournament, it will also act as selection trials for the continental games to be held in Rabat, Morocco next month.

According to Boxing Association of Kenya Secretary General David Munuhe, Kenya hopes to send 10 boxers to the three-week event.

Munuhe added that league champions Kenya Defence Forces and former champions Kenya Prisons have confirmed participation in the weekend event.

He said they have adhered to the Sports Act in all their operations and are therefore confident the government will fund their activities ahead of the All Africa Games.

After selection of the provisional squad, they will begin residential training.

Eight clubs and 14 counties will send their teams to the league championships, which will be at Uwanja Wa Mbuzi grounds.

The teams include league champions Kenya Defence Forces, former champions Kenya Police and Kenya Prisons.

Others are Githurai 44, Kenyatta National Hospital, Kibra, Oscar Kassongo Sports Academy and Kentrack. [Ben Ahenda]Counties that will compete in the event are Kisumu, Siaya, Kwale, Kilifi, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, Laikipia, Nairobi, Busia, Meru, Vihiga, Kiambu, Mombasa and Kakamega.

“Players will be picked on merit for us to come up with a formidable squad that can win medals at the continental games,” Munuhe said.

National Super Heavyweight champion Fredrick Ramogi of Kenya Defence Forces is confident of making the final squad.

“We need to put our acts together. That will ensure the best players are picked for the All Africa Games,” he said.