The third edition of the Uganda Secondary Schools boxing championships to be held at the Lugogo Indoor Arena, will focus on scouting for talent.
Uganda Boxing Federation president Moses Muhangi confirmed the programme for the tournament that is scheduled to rev off from Saturday, March 23 with the boxing action starting on Thursday, March 28. The semifinals will then take place on March 30 before the climax of the championship coming on March 31.
Muhangi stated that the goal of organising this tournament is to make sure boxing talent is scouted at a tender age so that they can be handled and prepared well for their careers ahead.
“Despite the limited funds the federation has, we shall go on with this tournament because our goal is to make sure boxing reaches the all regions. But before that we want to make sure boxers are well nurtured from the grass roots before they join the regional set up and that’s why we have focused on the schools,” Muhangi said.
“This is a competition that gives the young boxers a platform to showcase their talent. It also helps us to identify the new Boxing talents and I do call upon fellow Ugandans to come and give support to the young boys and girls.”
Boxing legend and trainer Zebra Ssenyange, one of the event organisers said that the tournament will target youth fighters from the age of 12 to 18 years. He also said that there will be mandatory weighing in and medical checkups of all fighters on March 23 before they are allowed to compete.
Ssenyange also went on to say that as organisers, they will make sure they engage these students into trainings during and after the tournament especially on disciplinary grounds because they do not want to create law breakers in society.
Reknowm US-based boxer Sharif Bogere, who is in the country for a visit praised the work of the boxing federation ‘because the tournament is a great innovation’. He also promised to chip in with help where need be especially with sharing his experience with the younger generations.
Bweyogerere High School have won the championships on each of the previous two occasions. Kololo High and Nakulabye finished second and third respectively behind Bweyogerere last year. Over 50 schools are expected to provide competition.
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