▪️TBF secretary-general Makore Mashaga says the Kenyan R&J will have multiple roles to play in the six-day national open championships
April 17, 2026
Kenya’s acclaimed boxing referee and judge Leila Said has began reaping from her elevated status in the squared circle.
As the trailblazing Mombasa-based mother of four sons basks in the glory of East Africa’s first ever female Star-3 R&J, invitations have began pouring in for Leila.
She has been invited to officiate in the prestigious Tanzania Open National Boxing Championships from April 20-26 in Dar es Salaam.
“We have officially written to our counterparts Boxing Federation of Kenya requesting for the services of Leila Said in our championships,” Tanzania Boxing Federation (TBF) secretary-general Makore Mashaga told boxersworld.co.ke.
“Apart from officiating which will give her more knowledge and experience, we want Leila to mentor our female boxers and our R&Js, we’re proud of her presence in our championships, and acknowledge her new status,” said Mashaga.
TBF will cater for transport and accommodation of the elite Kenyan R&J.
Turning to the Tanzania Open National Championships, Mashaga said over 50 female and male boxers are expected to take part including the elite boxers.
Among the international boxers to trade leather in Tanzania’s premier boxing championships are Africa Zone 3 light-heavyweight champion, Yusuf Changalawe, Zone 3 female bantamweight silver medallist Zulfa Macho, Ezra Paul, Issa Faki and Kassim Mbundwike.
“We will also organise a national certification course to run concurrently with our tournament,” said Mashaga
Mashaga said sports entry checks will be conducted on April 20 to register all the participants from 3pm.
“After the entry checks we will have a technical meeting to conduct draws and fixtures for the championships,” said Mashaga reminding all clubs to avail their coaches and managers during the sports entry checks.
