The Herald
By Herald Reporter
11 June 2013
The new Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board is facing crippling financial challenges to kick-start its operations, four months after it was installed by the Minister of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture, David Coltart.
Chairman of the board, Paul Nenjarama, said his board had to start from scratch as they was no proper hand-over take-over with the previous one that was led by Richard Hondo.
Nenjarama said the new board is hoping to schedule a meeting with the Minister to brief him on the challenges they are facing as they hope to bring sanity to the sport, following years of mismanagement.
“We considered the first quarter, which was February, March and April, to be a transitional period and we were expecting a hand-over, take-over with the old board,†said Nenjarama.
“There was lack of co-operation, hence there was no hand-over, take-over as such.
“This board decided that they would start on ground zero to lay the foundation for boxing, which we all desire to be resuscitated.
“As you all know, the treasury is short of funds and the SRC themselves are battling. You cannot run a board with no money. So funds have to be provided.
“Again the same Act (Boxing and Wrestling Control Act) says the Minister can be able to release whatever comes from treasury an amount of US$2 000 and that is actually a loan which we have to pay back.
“But it’s necessary for us to be able to kick-start.†The board currently does not have an office to carry out their daily activities and have appealed to the Sports Commission to give them space.
Nenjarama said they are in the process of setting up a data base for boxers, promoters and officials. The board has set annual licencing fees at US$25 for boxers, US$50 for trainers, US$75 for promoters and other officials involved in boxing will pay US$25.
No one will be allowed to participate in boxing activities without a licence.
“We do realise we are now halfway through the year. So those fees will be slashed to half the amount in each category.
“Licences will be given to all those who are in need of them after paying the fees,†said Nenjarama.
Other members of the board are boxing promoter Lorraine Muringi, medical practitioner Farai Muchena, promoter Ed Hammond, Tsitsi Muzuva, Alexander Kwangwari, Gilbert Munetsi, Charles Dzimba and Patrick Mukondiwa.