Zambia’s Nene Maonga Shines as African Military Boxing Championship Heats Up in Morocco
Zambia’s hopes for a historic medal haul at the African Military Boxing Championship remain alive after Private Nene Maonga delivered a commanding performance in Morocco, advancing to the next round of the prestigious continental tournament.
Pte Maonga, fighting in the 46–49kg category, outclassed Mozambique’s Yussuf Yassine via a unanimous points decision, keeping Zambia’s dreams of ending a 50-year gold medal drought alive. His disciplined and tactical bout earned him a well-deserved victory, making him the first Zambian to reach the next stage in this year’s championship.
However, it was a mixed day for the Zambian team, with two other boxers falling short. Corporal Ben Banda lost his 60kg category bout to Morocco’s Fadel Zouhir, while Corporal Samson Phiri was defeated by Nigeria’s Gbadamsi Quadri in another tough encounter.
Zambia sent six elite boxers to the tournament, two each from the Zambia Army, Zambia Air Force, and Zambia National Service. Three fighters are yet to make their tournament debut: Staff Sergeant Patrick Chinyemba, a top contender in the African Flyweight division; Private Albert Ngulube; and Leading Aircraftsman Emmanuel Ngoma.
The Zambian delegation, led by Lt. Col. Noel Mumbi and managed by Lt. Catherine Phiri (former WBC bantamweight world champion), is determined to make a lasting impression at the competition. The team is being coached by Warrant Officer Class One Wisdom Mudenda, with Warrant Officer Class One Darius Kabwe officiating.
Speaking before the tournament, Coach Mudenda emphasized that the Zambian contingent was in Morocco not just to participate, but to rewrite history by clinching gold medals, something Zambia last achieved in 1975 through legends Lottie Mwale and Simon Soko.
With the tournament set to reach its climax on Friday, Zambia still has a strong chance to earn podium finishes and bring pride to the nation and its military institutions.
