The Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) is optimistic that the national boxing squad will perform better in the forthcoming international assignments following support and a major boost from the government.
BFT Secretary General Makore Mashaga told the ‘Daily News’ in Dar es Salaam that the federation is pleased with the support the government has provided since the beginning of this year to various sports which were isolated in the past.
He said with the help of the government they have received various boxing facilities, including two modern boxing rings recently donated by the People’s Republic of China government, which enable the national team to training in good and quality equipment they badly missed.
“Our team will now train properly compared to the past as we have modern and quality equipment which enable the boxer to train appropriately and build up confidence.
We are hopeful the team will perform better in coming international competitions,” Mashsga said.
He further said 47 players forming a provisional national boxing squad are currently undergoing training in excellent environment that boosts their morale and spirit ahead of a special event that will pick a final squad of 15 boxers.
“The final squad will represent the country in the 11th All-Africa Games which are scheduled for September 4 to 19 this year in Brazzaville, Congo to coincide with the Games’ 50th anniversary celebrations and their return to Brazzaville where they were hosted for first time in 1965,” he said.
Apart from the All-Africa Games, the squad comprising a lot of upcoming talented boxers will carry the national flag to the Summer Olympics Games to be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil from August 5 to 21, 2016.
Mashaga disclosed that due to the support of the government, its partners and other stakeholders, TBF is confident that the team is going to end the country’s medal drought in the two major events.
He urged all Tanzanians to emulate the government by supporting the national team as it belongs to them.
Source Tanzania Daily News