MTC Kilimanjaro takes boxing revival to Otjinene

Zebaldt Ngaruka

MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club will bring more than 20 bouts to Otjinene Community Hall on Saturday in an initiative aimed at reviving the sport in the Omaheke Region and creating opportunities for emerging boxers.

The event seeks to make competitive boxing more accessible to rural communities while inspiring young people to take up the sport and develop their talents.

Otjinene Boxing Club manager Fonso Tjatindi said the club invited MTC Kilimanjaro to help revive boxing in the constituency and the wider region, where the sport has struggled to maintain momentum.

“We have seen that boxing sport in the region is going backwards and we want to revive it. Boxing is neglected after the passing of our promoter Abrossius Tjipuku Kandjii,” he said.

Tjatindi, who also serves as the region’s Otjinene sports coordinator, said many young people have boxing potential but lack the support needed to develop their abilities. “We have tried here and there to promote this sport but no support from various stakeholders. We want to keep the legacy of Kandjii and bring the sport back on the map,” he said.

He called on sports enthusiasts and stakeholders in the region to support the initiative and contribute to the development of local boxing.

Clubs from the Khomas, Otjozondjupa and Hardap regions are expected to participate in the competition, with more than 20 fights scheduled for the day.

“We will have 20 plus fights on Saturday, which is a signal that the interests and talent is there. We are appreciating MTC Kilimanjaro support for making this possible,” Tjatindi said.

Developing boxing talent

MTC Kilimanjaro owner and promoter Joseph Benhard said the development of boxing should extend beyond major urban centres to ensure that aspiring boxers across the country receive opportunities.

“Our priority is development of boxing, we heard the cries of Otjinene Boxing Club and we want to play our part in their missions of taking boxing sport to the next level. Otjinene never hosted a big event and this is their time, and everyone must benefit from development of this sport,” he said.

Benhard added that his club was willing to contribute to the growth of other developing boxing clubs across the country.

The event is expected to provide local boxers with an opportunity to showcase their abilities while giving residents a chance to experience competitive boxing in their community.

The gates will open at 17h00, with the first bout scheduled to start at 18h00.

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