BOXING Federation of Tanzania (BFT) says it is happy with the performance showcased by the country's boxers in the just-ended Mandela African Boxing Cup tournament which took place at the Durban International Convention Centre in South Africa.

The country was represented by five boxers and, speaking yesterday when the team jetted back, the delegation's leader Makore Mashaga said despite winning two medals, the federation is happy with the boxers' performances.

Yusuph Changalawe won a silver medal while Aziz Chala won a bronze medal in the showdown that has been held for the first time.

The other three boxers who were part of the national boxing team were Ezila Mwangalo, Mussa Maregesi, and Abdalla Mfaume. The team was coached by Mzonge Hassan and Mashaga- who is also BFT Secretary-General.

Mashaga noted: "The Mandela African Boxing Cup was taking place for the first time and it attracted many top amateur boxers from 25 countries, the competition was very high."

"There was money handed over to the winners, we have won two medals, we are happy with this (achievement) and are looking forward to the future,’’ he said.

The national boxing team's trip to South Africa was bankrolled by the Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF).

Chris Roberts, IBA Secretary-General, recently described the Mandela African Boxing Cup as a milestone in African boxing. 

He was quoted in the press saying the one-week tournament is a milestone in African boxing and a game changer in the development of the sport in the continent.

"It is a great pleasure to announce the first edition of the Mandela African Boxing Cup taking place in South Africa."

"Our decision to name the competition after one of the world’s most inspirational personalities is with reason and great respect," Roberts pointed out.

He noted: "Dear teams, let’s take Mandela’s dedication to boxing as a strong inspiration for young generations and glorify his name through the Mandela Cup to make it a yearly tradition."

IBA organized the event in conjunction with the Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) led by its president Eyassu Berhanu, SANABO, and Thembekile Mandela Foundation led by the founder and CEO Ndileka Mandela who is the granddaughter of the late icon Mandela.

The Minister for Sports, Arts and Culture Zidi Kodwa said they have endorsed the tournament which, according to the minister, will help in unearthing the talent of several upcoming African boxers. 

Boxers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) won 10 titles in the tournament. The AIBA and Thembekile Mandela Foundation moreover signed a Memorandum of Understanding to develop young people's talents.

Roberts and Ndileka Mandela, Nelson Mandela's first granddaughter, CEO, and founder of Thembekile Mandela Foundation, announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the organizations. Roberts emphasized that Nelson Mandela's legacy continues through boxing.

The Thembekile Mandela Foundation and the IBA established several key points of collaboration through the Memorandum of Understanding.

They include developing joint initiatives through the use of boxing as a tool for social impact and community development and promoting inclusivity and diversity within the boxing community.