BFK EMPOWERS ReFs JUDGes & COACHES:
The Kenyan federation played host to important capacity building courses in Nairobi.
Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) President Anthony “Jamal” Otieno and his team showed their commitment and zeal to improve on Kenya’s boxing standards after successfully hosting R&J and coaches courses that have been well received by the participants from as far as Ethiopia, Uganda and Tanzania.
It’s been a beehive of activity at the elegant Chel-C Hotel nestled in the refurbished Uhuru Park recreation center.
In addition to the knowledge they gained, the participants were also treated to sumptuous daily meals of mouth-watering fish, osuga, sweet chicken and omena, a tiny fish with a mean look while being chewed. Mauritius’ IBA instructor Rajcoomar Godavarisingh was left with fond memories of the lavish hospitality of Kenyans. I’m sure he will make a repeat performance soon to attack coconut fish at Chel-C Hotel.
Armed with years of knowledge in refereeing and judging, Raj as we call him, shared his expertise with gusto and passion himself being a former boxer. Well done Raj. 
He conducted 1-Star and 2-Star courses that have inched the Kenyans closer to attaining 3-Star status. Longest-serving of them all Samuel Obiero who has been at it since 1992, Nelson Otieno aka Jaluo Jeuri, Eddy Mwaura, mrembo wa Pwani Leila Said, Hellen Wanjiku and Stephen Ndungu were the six Kenyans who participated in the 2-Star R&J course. Too bad Joseph Odhiambo “OJ” pulled out at the last minute owing to urgent family commitments.
It was nice seeing buddies such as Samwel Otieno “Hitman”, Edward Mwaura and Stephen Ndungu of Ndenderu among the participants including affable Hellen Wanjiku. Mwaura is the son of one of Kenya’s most accomplished boxers John Nderu of Prisons Boxing Club known for his artistic boxing and a deadly left hook. Nderu, a gold medallist at the 1972 Africa Championships in Nairobi, bronze medallist in the 1966 Commonwealth Games and quarter-finalist in the Munich Olympics, later graduated to a Black belt karateka. You can imagine the consequences of picking up a fight with him.
Big up to BFK honchos, secretary-general David Munuhe, treasurer Musa Benjamin and busy bee John Waweru aka CS for availing themselves daily at the venue to make sure everything went on to clockwork precision.
A wonderful reunion between national head coach Musa and Kenneth “Valdez” Ochieng evoked memories of their hey days at Undugu Boxing Club or Senti if you like. This camaraderie should be maintained as Kenya looks ahead to a bright future in this noble combat sport.
