Boxing event ‘sabotaged’

WINDHOEK – Local boxing coach Mistake Gariseb has accused the Namibia Amateur Boxing Federation (NABF) of sabotaging their tournament that was scheduled to take place last weekend.

Gariseb, who is also the chairman of the Khomas Regional Boxing Association, said NABF Secretary General Joe Kaperu failed to deliver the boxing ring, corner pads and boxing gloves to the Omamanya Park in Katutura, where the two-day championship was set to take place. Gariseb then organised to get former world champion Harry Simon’s training ring, but still did not have corner pads or gloves.He further blamed Kaperu for not organising referees and judges for the competition.Gariseb added that he tried to contact Kaperu since Friday but his cellphone was switched off.Thirteen fights were scheduled for the night and these fights were important to select the Khomas regional team for the national championships at Keetmanshoop next week, said Gariseb.He feels let down by Kaperu, saying it was not the first time that Kaperu did not deliver the equipment as promised.He added that friends and family of the boxers came to watch them in action but no fights could take place.Gariseb feels that his region would not be able to send a team to the national championships, explaining that if they have to hand-pick a team now, it would be unfair to some boxers.He added that the tournament was also important to give local boxers a chance to get experience for the 2008 Olympic qualifiers in April.Approached for comment, Kaperu said that as SG he could only sanction fights, adding that it was not his responsibility to organise tournaments for clubs or regions.Kaperu added that he never promised Gariseb anything and that they merely had an agreement with regards to the use of Simon’s sparring ring.He added that he informed the referees and judges to be at the venue, which they did, and also advised Gariseb to inform the NABF head of referees and judges, Timo Haikonda, about their event.He said if Gariseb was really so desperate for equipment, he should have gone the extra mile to remedy the situation.A visibly agitated Kaperu said it is not the first time that some coaches wanted to be spoon-fed.He added that the Khomas Region had missed the deadline for submission of a team for the national championships.The due date was November 26, but no one from the Khomas Region came to his office to explain or ask for an extension.Said Kaperu: “If they look after me, I will look after them.I don’t have a problem.”NampaGariseb then organised to get former world champion Harry Simon’s training ring, but still did not have corner pads or gloves.He further blamed Kaperu for not organising referees and judges for the competition.Gariseb added that he tried to contact Kaperu since Friday but his cellphone was switched off.Thirteen fights were scheduled for the night and these fights were important to select the Khomas regional team for the national championships at Keetmanshoop next week, said Gariseb.He feels let down by Kaperu, saying it was not the first time that Kaperu did not deliver the equipment as promised.He added that friends and family of the boxers came to watch them in action but no fights could take place.Gariseb feels that his region would not be able to send a team to the national championships, explaining that if they have to hand-pick a team now, it would be unfair to some boxers.He added that the tournament was also important to give local boxers a chance to get experience for the 2008 Olympic qualifiers in April.Approached for comment, Kaperu said that as SG he could only sanction fights, adding that it was not his responsibility to organise tournaments for clubs or regions.Kaperu added that he never promised Gariseb anything and that they merely had an agreement with regards to the use of Simon’s sparring ring.He added that he informed the referees and judges to be at the venue, which they did, and also advised Gariseb to inform the NABF head of referees and judges, Timo Haikonda, about their event.He said if Gariseb was really so desperate for equipment, he should have gone the extra mile to remedy the situation.A visibly agitated Kaperu said it is not the first time that some coaches wanted to be spoon-fed.He added that the Khomas Region had missed the deadline for submission of a team for the national championships.The due date was November 26, but no one from the Khomas Region came to his office to explain or ask for an extension.Said Kaperu: “If they look after me, I will look after them.I don’t have a problem.”Nampa