EVERYBODY hates to lose. Everybody wants to win every game and as the race for the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games for the boxers kick-starts next month, nothing but winning is all they will be seeking.
The Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF)’s goal is clear – to see at least five boxers represent the country at next year’s Games in Brazil.
At the beginning of 2015, the belief was that the Zambian pugilists were in a position to achieve positive results and in the midst of the year that belief is still alive.
Although the year has so far seen a bit of successes by the some boxers, the bigger picture or the ultimate goal is to the Olympics and hopes that this feat will come to fruition, are higher than ever before.
A Zambian boxer last competed in the Olympic Games in 1984 in Tokyo, Japan.
Late Keith Mwila went on to win a bronze medal and since then, no other boxer has ever qualified to that stage.
But to achieve this long awaited dream, the boxers have to develop an all-conquering spirit ahead of the Federation of International Boxing Associations (AIBA) Africa International Rating Tournament billed for the Moroccan City of Casablanca.
However, one positive attitude in the Zambian camp is that the boxers beaming with hope and belief.
Hope that losing times are over and belief that beating their opponents at the forthcoming championship could earn them the most sought after spots at the Olympic Games and could also be a springboard to more wins and greater achievements.
The two characteristics may seem to be imaginary or unrealistic, yet there is a deep-rooted belief that we can find them somewhere within us.
Now is the time to show the country’s real talent and with the stage at the Africa International Rating tournament which will be used as qualifier to Rio, already set, Zambia’s appearance at the Olympic Games is in sight. The glory days of fallen heroes Mwila and Lottie ‘Gunduzani’ Mwale among other legends are gone with them but hope and belief are some of the characteristics that could help the current crop of pugilists brave all odds to realise the country’s dream.
Coach Kennedy Kanyanta and his boxers are not immune to criticism. Some critics have made proclamations that the current team is not up to scratch to break through the Rio Games and that the focus should turn toward 2020.
For Kanyanta and his lads, there is no next time. They are treating Rio Olympic Games qualifiers as possibly their final opportunities to shine in boxing. Both pugilists and the ZBF feel each opportunity is precious and should not be taken for granted.
“I know how tough it is to compete at the big stage like the Olympic Games and I need to psych the boxers into knowing that only hard work will make them shine. We are treating every competition as though it is our final boxing tournament and this will ultimately help us to achieve our goals,” Kanyanta said.
Kanyanta has said repeatedly that he is encouraged the boxers do not get carried away with minor achievements like the eight medal they minted at the five-nation tournament in Mozambique recently.
Such accolades are just stepping stones to something bigger and every dismal performance represents an opportunity to learn lessons that should help them throughout their boxing career.
ZBF president Thomas Chileshe believes time is ripe for Zambian boxers to compete at the Olympic Games and that the federation will do everything possible to prepare the team adequately.
“It comes down to the character of this team. You definitely have to understand who you are and what you want to accomplish,” Chileshe said. “If you’re going to give in, then we don’t need that. We need boxers who are going to go out there and qualify to the Rio 2016 Games.”
“Selection to the national team will be on merit and based on past glory. Things can happen. I am a true believer in that. If you execute to the point, then you are going to win. We have won too many regional and continental tournaments, it’s time to aspire higher,” he said.
Ben Muziyo, the only boxer to have won a medal at the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games in Scotland, will lead the charge to Casablanca for the qualifiers that will run from August 18 to 22.
Every boxer really wants to return to the top when they find more than one way to get there. Such is the case for Muziyo, who has endured some disappointing showings on the local scene, having lost to Mbachi Kaonga at this year’s Zambia International Trade Fair championship to an off form Mbachi Kaonga.
Just a year ago, Muziyo’s scintillating form helped him clinch a bronze medal in Glasgow but with the Agriculture and Commercial Show tournament coming up, he has to prove that his loss to Kaonga was nothing more than an anomaly.
Besides Muziyo, Charles Lumbwe is another pugilist earmarked to be a vital component in mounting a renewed assault on Zambia’s opponents in order to qualify for the Olympic Games.
Boxers must repay for the faith Zambia has placed in them but with mentorship of Kanyanta, who is a Commonwealth gold medalist, they will achieve their goals.
Having a coach like Kanyanta, who has tested the waters before and pushes his lads to be stronger competitors each time they step on the ring, should re-energise their hunger for success.
Coaches can only go as far as giving tips to their boxers but the real job must be done by individual pugilists.
It is therefore important for those in the team keep their form and skills at a pristine level.
They have been given the chance to go far and they must utilise this opportunity.
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