KBF plans ahead

The Khomas Boxing Federation (KBF) says the increase in the number of boxing clubs in the region is a sign that the sport code is growing.

The federation has now registered two additional members to bring the number of boxing clubs in the region to 14.

Bright Warriors Boxing Club and Power-Power Boxing Academy are the latest editions.

KBF chairman Jason Naule believes that the increase in boxing clubs will ensure that more talented gems are unearthed in the region.

“The increase in the number of clubs in the region is a clear sign that the communities are receiving boxing development very well in Khomas.

“It also presents a better opportunity to have a wider chance at producing champions and role models for the future generation,” Naule said.

The federation recently held its first meeting of the year at the Afterschool Centre in Katutura.

The meeting, which was attended by all affiliates, was aimed at paving the way forward for the sport code in the region.

“Boxing development in the region was at the top of the agenda and this meeting presented a good opportunity to look at what has worked and what hasn't in 2019,” he added.

The federation is confident that boxing development has improved in Khomas.

Many of the boxers who made their professional debut in 2019 are believed to have come from a development programme by the KBF.

The federation further plans to focus more on young boxers as they believe the future of the sport lies with them.

“The young boxers can really make our country proud if they are given attention at an early age,” Naule said.

The KBF also discussed the leadership vacuum at the mother body, the Namibian Boxing Federation (NBF). It accuses the NBF of a lack of support to regional structures, coupled with inconsistency.

The KBF advised the NBF to initiate broader development programmes for the entire fraternity.

“The federation remains hopeful that things may change for the better, especially because the term of the current NBF executives is ending on 23 February 2020.”

The KBF still remains without an official sponsor for all their development programmes.

While lauding those who supported them in 2019, they hope for companies to come on board to help the sport grow.

“Namibian boxing has grown from strength to strength through the hard work and commitment of people who love the game,” Naule noted.

The upcoming national youth games will be taken seriously, the KBF said.

The federation disclosed that it will be hosting trials by the end of January to select strong youth teams to participate in the youth games slated for Swakopmund in May.

Some of their plans for this year also include developing match officials and coaches.

“We appeal to the leaders at the helm of sport in the country to please guard sport from becoming a sector where all non-performing or incompetent sport administrators come and rest.

“Sport is a very important sector in the lives of many young Namibian boys and girls.

“The Namibia Sports Commission, through the minister, should provide the much-needed support.”

Jesse Jackson Kauraisa