Hit Squad captain Boniface Mugunde is over the moon after clinching the country’s first Africa Elite Championships gold medal in seven years.
Mugunde edged Burundi’s Nestor Nduwarugira by a split points decision in the hotly-contested all-East African affair at the Stade des Martyrs in Kinshasa, DR Congo.
Kenya had not won a gold medal since Nick Okoth’s lightweight victory in Congo Brazzaville in 2017.
“I am very proud to have won gold at the African Championships. I thank God and my coaches for the strategy that kept me going throughout the fight, allowing me to land strategically and avoiding a knockout,” he said.
It was Mugunde’s second victory over Nduwarugira, whom he had beaten in the Zone 3 tournament two years earlier, in Kinshasa.
“This gold belongs to all Kenyans. You can see how the Hit Squad has grown. This is only the start of even bigger successes,” he said.
“Careful training methods, motivational guidance and strategic planning paid off,” Mugunde said.
He described his achievement as a testament to unwavering faith.
“Our coaches have consistently emphasised the importance of hard work, discipline and teamwork and this philosophy has paid dividends,” he noted.
In contrast, deputy captain Elizabeth Andiego suffered a heart-wrenching loss in the light-heavyweight championship match.
Despite winning the first and third rounds, she was defeated by Morocco’s Hasna Larti via a contentious split-point decision.
Andiego, who has represented Kenya since 2010, called the defeat her most agonising.
“I was surprised and let down. I thought my efforts were sufficient to win. Watching the fight back, I’m convinced I should have won, but I leave it all to God,” she said.
Kenya bagged bronze medals through Amina Martha (bantamweight), Abednego Kyalo (flyweight), Vincent Ochieng (light welterweight), Robert Okaka (light heavyweight) and Shaffi Bakari (featherweight).
Benjamin Musa, the head coach, said the outstanding performances show the country is headed back to its former glory in the ring.
“They demonstrated their abilities and tenacity during the competition. Their triumphs have not only raised their spirits but also demonstrated Kenya’s boxing prowess,” he said.
Musa expressed his admiration for the boxers’ commitment and diligence, including Macharia, who made his maiden appearance in national colours.
“Macharia’s achievement is a testament to his talent and determination. He has displayed the potential to become a household name in the ring,” he said.
Musa is optimistic the nation can regain its position as a dominant force.
“It is clear that the Kenyan boxing
team is improving and, with the
correct direction, the nation has the
potential to regain its position as a
boxing powerhouse,” he said.