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1409: Tourism Minister Cde Walter Mzembi is now on the podium to give the Vote of Thanks.

1401: President Mugabe has presented Manyuchi with a gift and with that he takes his seat.

1358: The President congratulates Manyuchi and urges him to keep flying the country”s flag higher until it reaches the new planet that was recently discovered. He thanks Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, his family, Zambia and trainer saying they have done the country proud.

1356: The development of sports persons such as Manyuchi should not be left to one sector or one ministry or corporate but should a close co-operation between public sector and private sector.

1352: We are here to celebrate that moment of a great source of pride as a nation united by the great by of sport.  Charles victory is not only a victory fro himself but it’s victory for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Sadc. This is more so since his boxing straddles the two countries.

President Mugabe thanks Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions, who are the promoters of Manyuchi. He also adds that Zimbabwe will forever remain forever grateful to Zambia. He pays tribute to the boxing greats of the years gone by.

1346: He describes sport as a hard fight that involves transferring one’s intelligence to one’s muscles. He says in sports like football, basketball and others one is supported by others but in boxing that singleness, that oneness makes you undertake the task as a do or die one.

You have one man who is battling to outdo you, one who knows which parts to hit…..but you must know not just how to deliver the fists, to throw them but you must know where to hit where your blows are telling…are they straight blows? uppercuts?..and you study your opponents and so today we have a man who has vanquished other foes to be at the top…he happened to be Italian, I wish he had been a Briton.

1336: President Mugabe starts by chanting Pamberi Nezvibhakera! Pamberi Nekuwhina! Pasi Nekuruza!..That’s what we always are aspire to, victory, no matter what it is we always want to win. If failure comes we say that’s an accident, isn’t it? but that’s not what we want to aspire to.

1334: VP Mnangagwa has invited President Mugabe to address the gathering.

1326: Minister Mandiwanzira has invited VP Mnangagwa to come introduce the Guest of Honour.

1320: Charles Manyuchi has finished his speech. The AirForce of Zimbabwe Traditional Dance Troupe is now entertaining the guests.

1319: Manyuchi  says the obstacles he has faced have helped him move forward and his intention is to move ahead with his career. He says Zimbabwe’s brand should continue shining and he pays tribute to the Zambian promoter and the support he has received from Zambia. He pleads for the President’s help to ensure that boxing continues to develop.

He gives the President a pair of gloves a gift and jokes “Ngaangoshandiswa kurova mhandu dze Zimbabwe chete kwete kuna Mai” (They should be used to fight Zimbabwe’s enemies and not the First Lady) leaving the guests laughing and applauding.

1312: Charles Manyuchi is now on the podium and starts by acknowledging President Mugabe’s leadership as well as others that have supported him including his promoter.

1304: Stalin Mau Mau has been recognised for his commitment to boxing over the years.

1301: ICT Minister Supa Mandiwanzira, who is acting Sports Minister, is on the podium and is eulogising Manyuchi.

1248: President Mugabe has arrived for the banquet and the National Anthem is now being played.

1226: Charles’s father Otis Manyuchi is a former boxer and Charles’s twin sister, Jacqueline, is also a boxer in the Bantam weight division.

1221: Charles Manyuchi, apparently nicknamed “The Busy Bee”, has arrived for the banquet amid great applause.

1216: Vice President Mnangagwa has arrived.

1209: Tourism Minister Cde Walter Mzembi, Home Affairs Minister Dr  Ignatius Chombo and Minister of State Security Cde Kembo Mohadi have arrived at State House. The Police band is entertaining guests as they wait for the arrival of President Mugabe.

President Mugabe shares a lighter moment with World Boxing Council welterweight bronze champion Charles Manyuchi at his Munhumutapa offices in Harare yesterday. Looking on is Vice President Phelekezela Mphoko (partially obscured)

1159: Manyuchi’s Zambian promoter Chris Malunga of Oriental Quarries Boxing promotion is in the house, so is ZOC vice president Busi Chindove, ZOC CEO Anna Mguni, All Africa Games Team-Zimbabwe chief de mission Joseph Muchechetere and his vice Joe Rugwete, Parliamentary portfolio committee for Sports, Arts and Culture chairperson Tapiwa Matangaidze and Supa Mandiwanzira. Mighty Warriors coach Rose Mugadza, Young Warriors assistant coach Saul Chaminuka and captain Wisdom Mutasa are also here. More guests are expected.

1128: The stage is set  for Charles Manyuchi’s party which is being hosted by President Mugabe at State House. Soon, the World Boxing Council welterweight champion will be walking into the main arena where the banquet, to recognise his feat after defending his title for the second time by beating Italian Gianluca  Frezza, is being held.

The arena is almost packed as invited guests who include top officials from the Ministry of Sports, ZOC, students, Team-Zimbabwe for Africa Games.