Six months ago, the MTC Kilimanjaro Boxing Club embarked on an ambitious journey to bring boxing to the youth in Namibia’s remote regions. With a mission to scout and nurture young talent, the initiative covered regions, namely Zambezi, Kavango East and West, Oshana, Omusati, Oshikoto and Ohangwena, covering more than 50 schools. 

It aims to transform schools into breeding grounds for future boxing champions. 

Owner and founder of the club Joseph Bernhard and his team are returning to the regions to witness firsthand the fruits of their labour, and assess the impact of their groundbreaking school boxing programme, starting with Zambezi region in October this year.

“We are going to have a three-day event in the Zambezi region, where we held the first-ever training, focused on nurturing talent at the school level and in remote areas. We will be there, conducting a coaching clinic to provide training and receive feedback from the coaches involved,” Bernhard noted.

“The following day, we will host a developmental boxing bonanza, giving us a chance to experience firsthand what the upcoming boxers have learned from this programme. We have requested all coaches to bring their boxers to this event,” he added. Sabuta Thomas, one of the coaches from the region who benefitted from the programme, thanked Kilimanjaro and MTC for making the initiative possible. 

He expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “It was a very fruitful initiative. Boxing is one of the sports in Namibia that is growing rapidly, and having it here is a game-changer. So, many kids will be removed from the streets, and such a sport teaches them discipline, which is an important aspect for youth,” he said.

“So much was learned from this event, and we hope to get a chance to showcase our talent and what we’ve learned from this programme,” he added.

Bernhard thanked MTC, their sponsor, for making the initiative possible, though he did not disclose the exact amount funded for this project.  “We have an agreement with our sponsors to develop and nurture boxing talent around the country. MTC provided the funds for us to execute this programme,” he added. -mkambukwe@nepc.com.na