National Boxing coach Musa Benjamin believes Kenya is on track to regain its lost glory on the international stage following Hit Squad’s sterling performance at the Africa Boxing Championships.
Musa said Kenya’s boxing team underwent a sea change when they participated in the African show in DRC Congo last month, where they demonstrated their potential on the global scene.
“The Africa Championships proved to be a turning point for Kenya’s boxing team as it showcased the potential of the country’s boxers on the international stage,” he remarked.
Kenya recorded a masterstroke performance in the showpiece to halt a 17-year gold drought after national team skipper Boniface Mogunde punched his way to the winner’s podium.
Musa said this performance signals the start of a new era for Kenyan fighters. Kenya has historically had a strong presence in the world of boxing, with notable boxers such as Robert Wangila and Chris Sande.
Musa believes with the support of various stakeholders, Kenya’s boxing team has made significant strides despite the recent decline.
“Our boxers demonstrated their abilities and tenacity during the Africa Boxing Championships, taking home medals in a variety of weight classes,” he remarked.
“The incredible performances gave Kenyan boxing new hope,” he continued. He ascribed the shift in fortunes to diligence and hard work. “We have been putting in the hard work behind the scenes. After countless hours of training at the Mathare Depot in Nairobi, Hit Squad is beginning to reap the rewards of their efforts.”
Musa further said the premier continental showpiece also provided a platform for Kenyan boxers to flex muscles against the best the continent has to offer.
“This exposure is essential for their growth and will enable them to acquire useful competition experience in the future. It was a great learning experience for our boxers. Now they know what it takes to compete and win medals at the highest level.”
Looking ahead, Musa remains optimistic about the future of Kenyan boxing. He believes the success at the Africa Boxing Championships is a springboard to greater achievements.
“Now that we have demonstrated that we can compete at the highest level, we have to set our sights on bigger goals,” he said.
He hopes the team’s latest performance will inspire confidence and an urge for success in the new generation of Kenyan boxing stars.
“With a renewed sense of confidence and momentum, Kenya’s
boxing team is preparing to take
on new challenges on the international stage,” he said.
“The sterling performance by the
team has ignited a renewed sense
of hope and belief,” he said.
