Ongare to highlight boxing league in Busia

Commonwealth bronze medallist Christine Ongare, Shaffi Bakari and Lorna Kusa will highlight the second leg of the Boxing Association of Kenya (BAK) National League in Busia.

Dubbed ‘Ndondi Mashinani’, the event will be held at the Kenya Medical Training College from June 13-15 with 19 teams having already confirmed their participation.

Perennial champions Kenya Police Chafua Chafua have lined up a star-studded squad comprising of Kenya Open champion Cosby Ouma (middle), welterweight Boniface Mugunde, Martin Maina in light-flyweight, Bakari (flyweight) and Martin Oduor in (bantamweight).

“The boxers are getting better and better by event. We have witnessed tremendous progress and indeed significant improvement from county teams and we can only hope for the best in Busia,” BAK Interim Secretary Isaac Mbote said.

The BAK National League punched off on the weekend of May 9-11 at Nakuru’s Madison Square Garden with the idea of BAK events traversing all parts of the county is part of the noble “Ndondi Mashinani” initiate being used to spread the association’s tentacles across the county.

“Ndondi Mashinani is geared towards regaining Kenya’s lost glory by creating an enabling environment for county teams to realise their potential in boxing Standards have been set and only the sky’s the limit.” added Mbote.

Alice Waiyego and Pauline Chege both from Nairobi County are expected to shine in the 56kg ladies bantamweight division. Kisumu County has the likes of Kevin Akoko in bantamweight division and welterweight Charles Obonyo.

Trans Nzoia will be represented by among others their leading bantamweight boxer Victor Wangila.

Thika has its usual suspects in Duncan Kamau (fly) and Ken Ogutu in light heavyweight division.

Meanwhile, Mbote announced that plans are at an advanced stage for BAK elections at Kasarani.

BAK agreed to reschedule its long-awaited elections from May 28 to June 28 following a letter from Registrar of Sports Rose Wasike asking them to postpone the exercise in order to comply with laid down rules and regulations.