Maonga Shines as Zambia Battles in African Military Boxing Championship
Zambian military boxer Private Nene Maonga has progressed to the next round of the ongoing African Military Boxing Championship in Morocco, after defeating Mozambique’s Yussuf Yassine by unanimous points decision in the 46–49kg category.
Maonga’s victory marks a strong start for Team Zambia at the continental military tournament, which has drawn top fighters from across Africa.
However, the championship has presented mixed fortunes for the Zambian side. Corporal Ben Banda was eliminated after losing to Morocco’s Fadel Zouhir in a 60kg bout, while Corporal Samson Phiri also exited the competition following a loss to Nigeria’s Gbadamsi Quadri.
Zambia is fielding six boxers at the championship, representing the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, and Zambia National Service. Three fighters—Staff Sergeant Patrick Chinyemba, Private Albert Ngulube, and Leading Aircraftsman Emmanuel Ngoma—are yet to enter the ring and are expected to compete in the coming bouts.
The championship will conclude on Friday, when the continent’s top military boxers will be crowned.
Leading the Zambian delegation is Lieutenant Colonel Noel Mumbi, with Lieutenant Catherine Phiri serving as team manager. The coaching team includes Warrant Officer Class One Wisdom Mudenda, while Warrant Officer Class One Darius Kabwe is serving as a match official.
