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Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
NATIONAL boxing teams coach Alexander Kwangwari is convinced the Zimbabwe Boxing Federation tournaments being staged around the country will help them come up with a strong team for regional events.

ZBF are tomorrow holding their third national Open tournament in Victoria Falls, in collaboration with Victoria Falls Boxing Academy.

Some of the bouts are expected to feature boxers from Zambia.

Kwangwari said they are taking advantage of the local competitions to put together a team for the African Union Sports Council Region Five Youth Games in Botswana later in the year.

They are also looking ahead for the 2019 Africa Youth Games.

“We are going to Victoria Falls for selection, in fact it’s preparation, a friendly with Zambia to prepare our boxers both youths and elite boxers.

“It’s in preparation of the Under-20 Youth Games in Botswana and the African Games.

“We are looking at boxers who are doing well, who will be able to win us some medals, those that are consistent in their performance and want to win medals. We are looking at talented boxers,” said Kwangwari.

He said they have a long list of 48 youths and seniors and have been following their progress during the tournaments.

The likes of Kudakwashe Lambo and Tinotenda Pfunye have been doing well in the boys and girls categories respectively.

They are both in the flyweight division.

In the seniors the likes of Jojo Thomas, a light welterweight boxer, and Luckmore Kamoto in lightweight have also been on top of their game.

“So far we have a long list and it’s just selection to see who will qualify for the Under-20 and the African Games,” said Kwangwari.

Tomorrow’s tournament is set to have more than 100 boxers from different provinces including the Zimbabwe National Army, who have over the years stamped their dominance in the national events.

Other provinces that have confirmed their availability include Bulawayo, Midlands, Mashonaland East, Matabeleland South, Harare and the hosts Matabeleland North.