With no clearcut strategic plan for development, junior and youth boxing tournaments organised by national federations in Africa have become an annual ritual offering the youngsters limited pathway for progression
The African Boxing Confederation (AFBC) must avoid their regular piggyback rides on IBA for funding and bring on board massive sponsorship to become financially independent
Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) organised a remarkable four-day National Junior and Youth Boxing Tournament that ended on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Green Park Hall in Kenya’s capital city Nairobi.
The event had school age category of 12-14 years old, Junior 15-16 and Youth 17-18.
It all goes to show BFK’s commitment to nurture the potential of the youngsters most of them with lofty dreams to excel in this combat sport.
That 178 boxers – 140 boys and 38 girls – attended the tournament shows the interest of boxing in Kenya is still high from both sexes. The boxers were further inspired by the sincere generosity of Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) President Anthony “Jamal” Otieno who treated them to daily sumptuous lunch at his popular Chel-C Restaurant in Uhuru Park. The meals included my favourite coconut fish or kamfishero in the street lingua, tasty chicken, well fried beef, white and brown ugali, pilau, chapos, greens, fried fish and smoked fish known as bude in Luo Nyanza. The excited boxers attacked the meals with gusto, and now the upcountry pugilists know their visit to Nairobi is incomplete without eating at the elegant Chel-C Hotel._Kenya’s international junior boxers Sonia Atieno (left) and Luckman Shaffi were also in action in the National Junior and Youth Tournament. The duo represented Kenya in the inaugural African School Games in Algeria_
Several of the boxers showcased admirable talent and potential not to mention a burning ambition to conquer the world.
Among the most impressive performers include Hilal Mohamed (Lamu), Nairobi’s Alvin Otieno who lost to Hilal in the final of 37-40kg weight category, Mukuru Fight-4-Life Boxing Club’s southpaw Pinto Omondi who fought for Lamu beating Kwale’s Morgan Omondi in the 34-36kg final, Kibra’s Halima Khavere, winner over an equally talented Kisumu’s Joy Atieno, Kisumu’s Raphael Arori, Nakuru’s Nicholas Mouo, Kajiado’s Brandon Saitiko, Kibra’s southpaw Ella Demesi, losing finalist to Nairobi’s Stacy Wangui. Missing in action was promising 10-year-old Kallah Said aka Gaddaffi of Mathare North possessing one of the best uppercuts in Kenya currently. Not to be left out of the show were internationals, Mombasa’s Luckman Shaffi and Kisumu’s national novices and intermediate light-welterweight champion Sonia Atieno both of whom represented Kenya in the inaugural African School Games in Algeria but had no opponents. Sonia stopped Meru’s Kelly Wanja in the first round while Luckman went down on points to Alvin Otieno.
The 178 boxers were drawn from the following teams:
1. Nairobi County-Host
2. Nakuru ABC
3. Kisumu County
4. Kajiado County
5. Kiambu County
6. Lamu County
7. Embu County
8. Kibra BC
9. Kwale County
10. BM BC
11. Nakuru County
12. Meru County
13. G44 BC
14. Havana BC
While the aforementioned boxers and several others in the four-day tournament showcased impressive potential, lack of a comprehensive Strategic Plan on Junior and
Youth Boxing Development in Africa and National Federations limits the boxers’ future success with some of them eventually quitting the sport.
To progress, these boxers need support through training camps, experienced knowledgeable coaches, national and international competition opportunities and a structured Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) plans to build physical, technical, tactical and psychological skills. Without this integrated system, the talented boxers in the Kenya tournament and elsewhere in Africa will stagnate and ultimately fizzle out.
If there were concerted efforts pegged on a serious development plan, an official from Kenya’s ministry in charge of sports, education, boxing statistician, National Olympic Committee of Kenya and a representative of the Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) would have been at the Green Park Hall after which they put their heads together with the Kenyan federation on the way forward but unfortunately BFK officials were on their own.
Success in such a program, needs concerted efforts and long-term development programs. Progress requires a competent team of coaches, psychologists, managers and media support.
Structured training programs create pathways that include training camps, individual boxer plans, and development programs specially designed for junior boxers showing potential. BFK should also have a follow-up system to monitor the talented boxers, and if possible visit their homes to talk to their parents to find out if there’s any assistance they require especially on education. Maintenance of proper statistics of the boxers is also essential.
National boxing federations should establish structured pathways like the England Performance Pathway to guide boxers from novice to the elite level. Most important is to increase funding and sponsorship to expose these young boxers to major tournaments. A supportive environment that includes community involvement and extensive media coverage can inspire more young people to take up boxing to maintain sustained engagement.
How does the England Performance Pathway operate?
The England Performance Pathway is a system by England Boxing designed to identify, develop, and support boxers from a young age to achieve success in major international competitions and the Olympics. It’s divided into four age categories: Schools, Junior, Youth, and Senior. Within these categories, boxers are placed into a performance phase (for top athletes competing nationally and internationally) or a development phase (for talented individuals to build their skills through training camps and domestic competitions). The pathway emphasizes holistic development, covering boxing skill, athletic ability, and lifestyle management, with the goal of producing world-class athletes.
Boxers who show potential are invited to training camps and domestic competitions to develop specific skills and criteria, working towards advancement.
To operate such a system in Africa poses serious challenges chief among them funding given that the African boxing body operates on an empty account without a single sponsor on board, and mostly relies on piggyback rides from IBA to sort out its financial obligations.
One pertinent question boxing analysts are asking is after the Kenya National Junior and Youth Boxing event what next?
With no structured program, the boxers will now go back to school and wait for a similar event next year. It has now become an annual ritual.
One would expect from here, national junior and youth teams would be created and a committee set up to monitor the progress of the boxers and constant tournaments held to keep them in shape and improve on their performance.
Boxing Federation of Kenya Secretary-General, David Munuhe concurs on the importance of a structured program.
“There has to be a continuous chain of events from local, regional, continental, and then global. Continuity is the key. Otherwise youngsters will not see the importance of it,” said Munuhe.
Kenya’s national boxing team head coach Musa Benjamin is one of the top tacticians in Africa, and in 2018 was hired by the Tanzanian federation to handle their national team for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia. He has been associated with junior and youth boxing for a long time, and has big ideas but very little can be achieved without concerted efforts and massive funding. Therefore Musa and his team have no choice but to make do with what they can afford.
“For now, our eyes are on ANOCA Youth Games later this year and of course 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Dakar,” Musa told boxersworld.co.ke
“Our long term plan is to have regular junior and youth tournaments locally and in the region subject to availability of funds. We are also hopeful that we will be able to introduce boxing in the school games.”
The Kenyan coach, who is also the Secretary-General of the
Nairobi County Boxing Association, divulged their plans for the Nairobi junior team to motivate them.
“The Nairobi juniors will go to Mombasa in December this year (2025) for a match against the Coastal juniors to cap the year and have fun in the sandy beaches. We used to do it in the past to boost their morale. For now, our eyes are on ANOCA Youth Games later this year and of course 2026 Olympics Youth Games in Dakar.”
The other stumbling block facing the Kenyan federation is the current lack of employment opportunities for the junior and youth boxers once they reach the required age to fend for themselves relying on boxing to be employed.
“As regards employment, that’s a tough one,” said Musa, adding: “Many boxers have quit boxing to look for bread. In the past we had a lot of employment opportunities for young boxers, competition was so high then with the national team Hit Squad the highest beneficiary.
“Our education system hasn’t done much to assist sports. A lot of emphasis is on class work almost the whole day leaving kids without time for training unlike in the past when we would leave school early and go for various sporting activities.”
Zimbabwe has one of the most successful junior and youth boxing programs in Africa including schools boxing but lack of adequate funding is their undoing.
Renowned referee/judge Steven Masiyambumbi, who is also a former international boxer and a product of schools boxing, is the Technical Director of the Zimbabwe Boxing Federation.
“Boxing in Zimbabwe,” said Masiyambumbi, “has a rich history, but its future hinges on the development of junior and youth programs. It is at this grassroots level where the foundation for elite athletes is laid.
“Our boxing programs primarily target the junior level. Schools play a pivotal role, providing a platform for young boxers to showcase their skills. The National Youth Games, once a vibrant event, allowed boxers from all ten provinces to compete, fostering talent and camaraderie. This competitive spirit is essential for preparing junior boxers for international arena. The journey of promising boxers such as Balakazi Julaika highlights the potential within our youth. Their participation in the World Championship in Armenia served as a crucial stepping stone, exposing them to high-level competition.
“Such experiences prepare young athletes for the elite level, instilling confidence and resilience. The developmental programs are the backbone of a strong boxing future. The Zonal Region 5 Youth Games in Namibia showcased the effectiveness of these systems when Julaika earned a gold medal. These tournaments not only provide competitive experience but also create a pathway for talent to progress from juniors to elite athletes.
“Despite the success of some of our elite and junior African boxers, the landscape for junior and youth boxing in Africa especially South of Sahara remains challenging. Unlike Asia and Europe, where youth tournaments are abundant, Africa struggles with lack of structured developmental competitions. This disparity limits exposure for our young boxers, making it difficult to cultivate world champions.
“For Zimbabwe and Africa to compete successfully on the global stage, a comprehensive, traceable system is essential. We must create a clear pathway from cadets to juniors, youth, and finally elite levels. Each stage should seamlessly flow into the next, ensuring that young boxers graduate through the ranks with adequate; support and competition.
The potential of African boxers is immense, but realizing this potential requires commitment to junior and youth development. By investing in our grassroots programs and providing more competitive opportunities, we can create a new generation of champions. The journey from local gyms to world championships starts with our youth, and it is our responsibility to nurture their talent for a brighter future in boxing.”
In a capsule summary, Masiyambumbi outlines the challenges facing the growth of Junior and Youth Boxing in Africa
Limited Access to Facilities
Many regions lack adequate boxing gyms and training facilities, making it difficult for young athletes to train effectively. Access to quality equipment and safe training environments is crucial for skill development.
Insufficient Funding and Resources
Financial constraints hinder the establishment of youth programs and competitions. Without proper funding, it is challenging to organize tournaments, hire qualified coaches, and provide necessary equipment.
Lack of Structured Developmental Programs*
Many African countries do not have a clear pathway for young boxers to progress from junior to elite level. Lack of organized competitions and training camps limits exposure and experience.
Infrequent Tournaments
Compared to other regions, Africa has fewer competitions. This lack of opportunities prevents young boxers from gaining valuable experience and recognition.
Limited International Exposure
Young African boxers often do not have access to international tournaments which are vital for understanding global standards and practices. This gap affects their competitiveness on the world stage.
Inadequate Promotion of the Sport
Boxing may not receive the same level of media attention and promotion as other sports, leading to reduced interest among the youth. Increased visibility is essential for attracting new talent.
*Socioeconomic Barriers*
Many potential young boxers come from disadvantaged backgrounds, where sports may not be prioritized. Economic challenges can prevent families from investing in their children’s boxing aspirations.
Over to the Africa Boxing Confederation’s Normalisation Committee under the leadership of Eswatini’s Pearl Dlamini.
As you scratch your heads to normalise the management of boxing in Africa following miserable failure by past two regimes led by Cameroon’s Bertrand Mendouga and Ethiopia’s Eyassu Berhanu, you have no choice but to compile a comprehensive development program on junior and youth boxing including the introduction of Junior Africa Boxing Championships. Massive funding is crucial for the successful implementation of this important phase in African boxing.
My polite advice to you all and the new office which will later be elected is to avoid your piggyback rides on IBA for funding. Roll up your sleeves and bring on board huge sponsorship.
For a seamless and successful management of boxing in Africa, your bank account must be very healthy 24-7 without which you will continue shadow boxing with minimal development in African boxing.
Picture designs by Duncan Kuria aka Sugar Ray
