Coach Musa names squad Africa Zone III Boxing Championships

National team head coach Musa Benjamin has named a 34-member squad to represent Kenya’s “Hit Squad” at the upcoming Africa Zone 3 Boxing Championships, set to take place at the Kasarani Indoor Arena from October 16 to 25.

The selected team includes 23 male and 11 female boxers. Two-time Africa Championships light-heavyweight bronze medallist Robert Okaka (aka Man Man Ngori) and Africa Military Games bantamweight champion Dennis Muthama are missing from the roster.

The two, who serve in the Kenya Defence Forces, will miss the tournament due to work commitments.

As the host nation, Kenya was initially expected to field two full squads of 50 boxers (26 men and 24 women).

However, due to a shortage of depth, especially in women's boxing and the heavier men’s weight categories, the technical bench has opted for a streamlined team of 34.

“I’m the happiest coach today, seeing new boys and girls earn the opportunity to represent Kenya. We’re still discussing the possibility of adding a few more boxers.

“Regardless of the outcomes, it’s a joy to see more athletes living their dream of wearing national colors,” said coach Musa.

The squad features 12 debutants — 10 men and two women — who will compete internationally for the first time. Among them are:

Diouf Muimi (Flyweight), Emmanuel Chondo (Bantamweight), Paul Omondi, Mwinyi Kombo (Featherweights), Washington Wandera (Lightweight), Caleb Wandera (Light-welterweight), Wiseman Kavondo (Welterweight), Alvin Oduor (Light-middleweight), John Oyugi (Heavyweight), Jane Wangare (Women’s Minimumweight) and Sheila Auma (Women’s Bantamweight).

Among the returning boxers is Lorna Kusa, silver medalist at the 2022 Zone 3 Championships in Kinshasa.

She moves up to light-heavyweight, while team captain Elizabeth Andiego drops to middleweight.

Both women have been stalwarts of the national team since 2010, when they debuted at the Women’s World Championships in Barbados.

Full Team List for Africa Zone 3 Championships

Men’s Team

 Silas Onyango, Abednego Kyalo (Minimum weight 48kg), Diouf Muimi, Kelvin Maina (Flyweight 51kg),

Shaffi Bakari, Emmanuel Chondo (Bantamweight 54kg), Paul Omondi, Mwinyi Kombo (Featherweight 57kg), Washington Wandera, Ethan Maina (Lightweight 60kg), Aloice Vincent, Caleb Wandera (Light-welterweight 63.5kg), Joseph Shighali, Wiseman Kavondo Welterweight 67kg), Bonny Mogunde, Alvin Oduor (Light-middleweight 71kg), Edwin Okon’go, Cosby Ouma (Middleweight 75kg),  Humphrey Ochieng (Light-heavyweight 80kg) Chris Ochanda (Cruiserweight 86kg)  Peter Abuti, John Oyugi (Heavyweight 92kg) and Clinton Macharia (Super-heavyweight (92+kg).

Women’s Team

Jane Wangari (Minimumweight 48kg), Lencer Akinyi (Light-flyweight 50kg), Veronica Mbithe, Faith Nafuna (Flyweight 52kg), Amina Martha, Sheila Auma (Bantamweight 54kg), Emilly Juma (Lightweight 60kg), Cynthia Mwai (Light-welterweight 35kg), Friza Anyango (Welterweight 66kg), Liz Andiego (Middleweight 75kg), and Lorna Kusa (Light-heavyweight 81kg).

Technical Team

  Head Coach: Musa Benjamin

 Trainers: Julius Theuri, John 'Chea' Omondi, James Wasao

Team Doctor: Dr. Julius Ogeto

Physiotherapists: Sospeter Kinuthia, Justus Mutinda Kyalo