Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-03-01 08:43:58
Malawi is facing financial constraints that limit the number of boxers they can send to the African Games in Accra. The Malawi Amateur Boxing Association (MABA) initially named eight boxers for the Games, but due to the country’s financial situation, they can only afford to send two boxers, Elias Bonzo in the light-welterweight category and Lewis Zakeyu in the welterweight category.
These two boxers, along with female featherweight Natasha Maya, previously represented Malawi in the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. Despite the financial challenges, boxing remains a successful discipline in Malawi, with several boxers having won bronze medals at previous Commonwealth Games. Tatu Chionga won bronze in lightweight in 1970 in Edinburgh, followed by Lyton Mphande and Solomon Kondowe who won bronze in lightweight and welterweight respectively at the 1986 Commonwealth Games.
Malawi first participated in the African Games in 1973 in Lagos, Nigeria, and to date, the boxers from Malawi have not won any medals at the Games. The scarcity of funds has been a significant hurdle for MABA, highlighting the unstable financial situation in the country. Despite the financial limitations and inadequate preparations, the two boxers heading to Accra for the 13th edition of the African Games will face a tough challenge to excel.
The financial desperation faced by MABA reflects the overall financial struggles of Malawi. The government’s inability to fully support the boxing team indicates a larger issue within the country’s financial management. The lack of funding not only affects the number of boxers that can represent Malawi but also impacts the level of preparation and training they receive before major competitions like the African Games.
With only two boxers able to travel to Accra, the pressure will be on Elias Bonzo and Lewis Zakeyu to perform well and make their country proud. Their participation in the African Games comes with obstacles, but their determination and skills will be put to the test as they compete against some of the best boxers on the continent.
In the midst of financial challenges, the Malawian boxers carry the hopes and aspirations of their country as they venture into the African Games. Despite the odds stacked against them, Elias Bonzo and Lewis Zakeyu will represent Malawi with pride and determination, aiming to make history and bring home medals from Accra.
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