Namibia second overall in boxing

WINDHOEK – The Namibian boxing team came second overall after collecting four gold, one silver and four bronze medals during the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa (SCSA) Zone Six Youth Games that ended yesterday.

The final event of the Games on Tuesday evening at the A. Shipena High School saw South Africa taking top honours with four gold medals, two silver and one bronze.Botswana ended third overall with three silver medals and one bronze.Namibia’s Sakaria Lukas was crowned the champion in the 51-kg division by beating South African opponent Luthando Banethi on points.The upcoming Namibian youngster amazed many with his footwork and devastating punches.In the 57-kg bout, Abraham Ndaendapo of Namibia clinched gold after he mercilessly beat his opponent from Botswana, Eliah Masokotso.The referee stopped the contest in the third round when the Batswana failed to withstand the pressure.Namibia’s Samuel Wilbard won gold in the 64-kg division when he beat Peter Engelton of South Africa on points.Adding his name to the list of gold medals was Nashivela Elia of Namibia in the 75-kg class.The fight was stopped when South African opponent Thulane Makubela’s coach threw in the towel.Sam Fanuel of Namibia won silver when he lost by a technical knockout (TKO) to South African Thabiso Mchunu.Namibian coach Gerardo Bicet threw in the towel to rescue Fanuel from the onslaught.Namibia’s bronze medallists are Gabi Gabriel (48 kg), Johannes Simon (54 kg), Albino Felesianu (60 kg) and Benjamin Ambambi (69 kg).Meanwhile, in an interview with Nampa yesterday, Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board chairman Kelly Nghixulifwa said he was impressed with Namibia’s junior boxers, but he was concerned about the level of boxing in the region (SADC).He singled out a country like Mozambique, which only entered three boxers who failed to proceed beyond the preliminary rounds.According to Nghixulifwa, more needs to be done at regional level.- NampaShipena High School saw South Africa taking top honours with four gold medals, two silver and one bronze.Botswana ended third overall with three silver medals and one bronze.Namibia’s Sakaria Lukas was crowned the champion in the 51-kg division by beating South African opponent Luthando Banethi on points.The upcoming Namibian youngster amazed many with his footwork and devastating punches.In the 57-kg bout, Abraham Ndaendapo of Namibia clinched gold after he mercilessly beat his opponent from Botswana, Eliah Masokotso.The referee stopped the contest in the third round when the Batswana failed to withstand the pressure.Namibia’s Samuel Wilbard won gold in the 64-kg division when he beat Peter Engelton of South Africa on points.Adding his name to the list of gold medals was Nashivela Elia of Namibia in the 75-kg class.The fight was stopped when South African opponent Thulane Makubela’s coach threw in the towel.Sam Fanuel of Namibia won silver when he lost by a technical knockout (TKO) to South African Thabiso Mchunu.Namibian coach Gerardo Bicet threw in the towel to rescue Fanuel from the onslaught.Namibia’s bronze medallists are Gabi Gabriel (48 kg), Johannes Simon (54 kg), Albino Felesianu (60 kg) and Benjamin Ambambi (69 kg).Meanwhile, in an interview with Nampa yesterday, Namibia Professional Boxing and Wrestling Control Board chairman Kelly Nghixulifwa said he was impressed with Namibia’s junior boxers, but he was concerned about the level of boxing in the region (SADC).He singled out a country like Mozambique, which only entered three boxers who failed to proceed beyond the preliminary rounds.According to Nghixulifwa, more needs to be done at regional level.- Nampa