THE country may have its own problems in the amateur ranks with the hopes of representativity at next year’s Rio Olympics becoming slimmer, but there are worse off countries that need help.
One such country is Malawi, which current SA National Amateur Boxing Organisation (Sanabo) president Andile Mofu recently visited to conduct coaching clinics.
After the visit, Mofu feels South Africa’s problems are nothing compared to Malawi, so much so that he has taken it upon himself to ensure that it does not suffer more than it already does.
Mofu revealed that there were only two boxing rings in the whole country of Malawi and that is below the poverty line by any standard.
“Look, I do not know how many boxing rings are in Mdantsane alone, but surely there are more than two. Now imagine a country having only two rings. What else can you expect in terms of necessary equipment when situations are like that?”
Mofu, who is also president of Zone 4 Region, said he went to Malawi as the Aiba (Amateur International Boxing Association) facilitator, but what he saw there has influenced him to invoke all his connections to help the country.
About 21 coaches turned up for the clinics, with two of them being former boxers who represented the country at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
“The enthusiasm shown by those guys was unbelievable. It was obvious that they are hungry for knowledge,” Mofu said.
Mofu has used his visit to formalise working relations with the country.
“We are in the process of signing a bilateral agreement so we can at least help where we can. I am already in the process of contacting business people to buy equipment for Malawi and I would appreciate it if anyone who can help could do so.”
While Malawi is struggling, its only known boxer, Isaac Chilemba, is hogging the headlines with his boxing exploits in the US.
Fighting under US boxing promotion powerhouse Main Events, Chilemba was fighting in Canada last weekend where he dropped a close decision to Eleider Alvarez for the rights to challenge WBC light-heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson.
However, Malawians can only dream of meeting Chilemba as he does not visit the country – his second home is South Africa.
Chilemba’s poor background is often used to market him as a triumph over adversity but, according to Malawians, he has never donated even one boxing glove.
“I asked them if Chilemba does not visit the country to offer some help through his connections in the US and the answer was a disappointing no,” Mofu continued.
For now Malawi is recovering from the suspension of its amateur body by Aiba after it forged links with the professional wing, much against the policies of the world amateur body which bans any interaction with the professionals.
“The new structure is only three months in office so it is struggling to keep afloat,” Mofu said.
Malawi in dire need to beef up its boxing prowess
One such country is Malawi, which current SA National Amateur Boxing Organisation (Sanabo) president Andile Mofu recently visited to conduct coaching clinics.
After the visit, Mofu feels South Africa’s problems are nothing compared to Malawi, so much so that he has taken it upon himself to ensure that it does not suffer more than it already does.
Mofu revealed that there were only two boxing rings in the whole country of Malawi and that is below the poverty line by any standard.
“Look, I do not know how many boxing rings are in Mdantsane alone, but surely there are more than two. Now imagine a country having only two rings. What else can you expect in terms of necessary equipment when situations are like that?”
Mofu, who is also president of Zone 4 Region, said he went to Malawi as the Aiba (Amateur International Boxing Association) facilitator, but what he saw there has influenced him to invoke all his connections to help the country.
About 21 coaches turned up for the clinics, with two of them being former boxers who represented the country at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
“The enthusiasm shown by those guys was unbelievable. It was obvious that they are hungry for knowledge,” Mofu said.
Mofu has used his visit to formalise working relations with the country.
“We are in the process of signing a bilateral agreement so we can at least help where we can. I am already in the process of contacting business people to buy equipment for Malawi and I would appreciate it if anyone who can help could do so.”
While Malawi is struggling, its only known boxer, Isaac Chilemba, is hogging the headlines with his boxing exploits in the US.
Fighting under US boxing promotion powerhouse Main Events, Chilemba was fighting in Canada last weekend where he dropped a close decision to Eleider Alvarez for the rights to challenge WBC light-heavyweight champion Adonis Stevenson.
However, Malawians can only dream of meeting Chilemba as he does not visit the country – his second home is South Africa.
Chilemba’s poor background is often used to market him as a triumph over adversity but, according to Malawians, he has never donated even one boxing glove.
“I asked them if Chilemba does not visit the country to offer some help through his connections in the US and the answer was a disappointing no,” Mofu continued.
For now Malawi is recovering from the suspension of its amateur body by Aiba after it forged links with the professional wing, much against the policies of the world amateur body which bans any interaction with the professionals.
“The new structure is only three months in office so it is struggling to keep afloat,” Mofu said.
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