This archive report was first published on 21 July 2019.
The National Boxing League finals wrapped up on Sunday, with the boxing federation committee announcing the provisional squad to represent Kenya in the All African Games, scheduled for next month in Rabat, Morocco, on July 21, 2019.
According to James Waweru, the BAK competitions secretary, the provisional squad will report to camp for training before the final squad of 10 men and five women is chosen for the international duty.
Among the new entrants in the squad are Mohamed Ali of Mombasa, who lost his semifinal bout to Dennis Muthama of Kenya Defence Forces in the bantamweight category (under 56kg), and Shaffi Bakari of Kenya Defence Forces, who won in the flyweight category (under 52kg).
Veronica Mbithe, a new KDF recruit, expressed joy after making it to the squad, having defeated Flavian Auma of Busia on points in the ladies flyweight category. Auma, despite losing, earned a slot in the squad.
The provisional squad includes notable names such as Humphrey Ochieng, alias 'Jakababa,' of Kenya Police, who lost his final bout against KDF man Hezron Maganga in the light heavyweight category (under 81kg), and Elly Ajowi, who knocked out George Wanjuli of Busia in the heavyweight category (under 91kg) final.
Those in the provisional squad have a chance of making it to the final squad, but those who won their respective league bouts have a higher chance. The rest will be used for purring purposes during training.
The committee will name officials to accompany the boxers to Morocco at a later date.
Rayton Okwiri, the African Boxing Union (ABU) champion, who was in attendance, congratulated the named boxers and said he will be joining them in training.
Provisional National Team Squad:
Men:
- Abednego Kyalo
- Shaffi Bakari
- Mohamed Ali
- Martin Maina
- Ethan Maina
- Martin Oduor
- Nick Okoth
- Victor Odhiambo
- Boniface Mogunde
- George Ouma
- Edwin Okong'o
- Humphrey Ochieng
- Elly Ajowi
- Frederick Ramogi
Ladies Team:
- Christine Ongare
- Veronica Mbithe
- Alice Waiyego
- Everlyne Akinyi
- Lorna Kusa
- Elizabeth Akinyi
- Flavian Auma
