Big boost for Hit Squad: Seven men and three women boxers fly Kenyan flag Down Under

Benson iGicharu (left) of Police fight it out in the 3rd bout with Brian Agina from Coast during the 3rd Leg of the National SportPesa Boxing League at Ananas Mall, Thika County on Saturday, June 10, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

 

BAK boss Kameta hopes the team will post impressive results in Gold Coast.

For the first time in two decades, three coaches will handle the national boxing team ‘Hit Squad’ at the 21st Commonwealth Games that start in Gold Coast, Australia, on Wednesday.

Patrick Maina is the head coach and assisted by international Patrick 'Mont' Waweru while Kenya Police deputy coach John Waweru is the trainer. Albert Matito is the team manager.

Initially, National Olympic Committee of Kenya (Nock) gave one slot for coach and the other for team manager.

"This is a big achievement for us. It will enhance their chances of winning medals in the games,” said Boxing Association of Kenya (Bak) President John Kameta.

He said that is the only way the federation would improve team performances ahead of 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

"If we carry on with picking at least three coaches to all major competitions, then there is a high possibility that we will stamp our authority in world boxing," he said.

The team of seven men and three women boxers left for Gold Coast last week with their heads held high. "The coaches have given us enough attention, which has helped us pick new skills. We look forward to a good show," said team captain Nick Abaka.

The same sentiments were shared by 2010 Commonwealth Games flyweight (49kg) silver medalist Benson Gicharu, who also won a bronze medal in the same championships in Glasgow, Scotland, in 2014 while plyaing in bantamweight (54kg).

"This time I'm set and determined to bag a gold medal having previously won the other medals. This can be attributed to the serious and vigorous training sessions under the three coaches, with assistance of the team manager who is also a qualified coach," Gicharu told Standard Sports.

Among the seven players are Africa lightweight champion Nick Okoth and Amateur Professional Boxing (APB) light heavyweight pugilist Nick Abaka.

Others are light fly Shaffi Bakari (Kenya Police), fly Brian Agina (Coast Combined), bantam Benson Gicharu (Police), middle Edwin Okong'o (KDF) and heavyweight Elly Ajowi.

The female boxers are fly Christine Ongare, light Lorna Kusa and middleweight Elizabeth Andiego.

Meanwhile, association boss Kameta has appealed to the government to offset the allowances of the sparring partners.