By Archford Chirimudombo
Harare, (New Ziana) – The Zimbabwe Boxing Federation (ZBF) has congratulated the historic performances of Blessing Sibanda and Christian Ndlovu at the 2026 IBA African Elite Boxing Championships held in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as the pugilists ended Zimbabwe’s 32-year African medal drought.
The two boxers secured hard-fought bronze medals in the competition held from October 18 to 31 this year, marking Zimbabwe’s return to the African Elite Championships podium for the first time since 1994.
Blessing Sibanda showed exceptional courage, determination, and resilience in the minimum weight division, ultimately bowing out in the semi-finals to Botswana’s Molatlhegho Kobamelo, who went on to secure silver. Christian Ndlovu equally distinguished himself in the light middleweight division, delivering a spirited performance before his campaign was halted in the semi-finals by favorite Disasui Yenge of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In a statement released on Tuesday, ZBF president Festus Dumbu said the milestone is a moment of immense pride for Zimbabwean boxing and the whole nation.
“On behalf of the ZBF executive committee, our coaches, athletes and the entire boxing family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Blessing Sibanda and Christian Ndlovu for this remarkable achievement. You have represented Zimbabwe with distinction, flown our national flag high and demonstrated the discipline, commitment and fighting spirit that define our nation. This achievement carries even greater historical significance because of the man who was leading our team from the corner,” he said.
National team coach Alexander Kwangwari was among the three Zimbabwean boxers who last won bronze medals at the 1994 Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Johannesburg, achieving the feat as a competitor in the light-middleweight division, alongside heavyweight Ezwell Ndlovu and the late light-heavyweight Daliso Lungu.
“Thirty-two years later, Kwangwari has once again been part of Zimbabwe’s continental success, this time guiding our athletes as national team coach. It is a remarkable full-circle moment and a powerful testament to the value of experience, continuity and knowledge transfer in sport. I particularly commend Coach Kwangwari and his technical team for their dedication, preparation and leadership.
“Their contribution to this achievement must be recognized and celebrated. These two bronze medals are more than just podium finishes. They represent the resilience of Zimbabwean boxing, the potential within our athletes and the progress we are determined to build upon. They also send a strong message that Zimbabwe belongs among Africa’s competitive boxing nations. While we celebrate this success, we recognize that there is still more work to be done,” Dumbu said.
He added that the ZBF remains committed to strengthening its development structures, investing in talent identification, improving athlete preparation, and creating more opportunities for boxers to compete at the highest level.
Dumbu also expressed gratitude to the Zimbabwean government, sporting stakeholders, partners, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in, and support the development of boxing in the country.
New Ziana
