WINDHOEK – Namibian boxing supremo Kelly Nghixulifwa is an unhappy man and his anger is clearly fuelled by Simon Andjamba’s appointment as vice-president of the International Boxing Federation (IBF).
A relatively unknown bloke in local boxing circles Andjamba, 37, a local business mogul and owner of the popular night club Oluzizi in Katutura, Windhoek, has been appointed as IBF vice-president with immediate effect and has been tasked to oversee proceedings at the yet to be opened IBF headquarters in Windhoek.
While Nghixulifwa admits that Andjamba’s appointment does not need approval from local boxing authorities – he expresses concern that his (Andjamba’s) resume in the administration of boxing leaves much to be desired.
“As the body presiding over boxing in this country, we were actually surprised to learn about Andjamba’s appointment and to make matters worse they (IBF) did not bother to request us for his boxing credentials,” charges the long-serving boxing supremo.
Nghixulifwa also raised serious concern over the modus operandi behind Andjamba’s out of the blue appointment and is anxiously waiting to see what effect and value it will have on the overall standard of professional boxing locally.
In the meantime, IBF president Onesmo Ngowi from Tanzania announced that the IBF would relocate its headquarters to Windhoek, Namibia in due course.
The centre will open its doors for high-profile international bouts while offering aspirant professional boxers the ideal opportunity to showcase their talent on home soil.
By Carlos Kambaekwa