Gilbert Munetsi - Zim Now Writer
The Zimbabwe Boxing Federation is on the ropes after stakeholders slammed its decision to sideline critical elections from the agenda of its upcoming Annual General Meeting set for July 26 in Gweru.
In a move seen as a desperate ploy to cling to power, federation officials have drawn widespread ire for deliberately postponing elections that were initially due at the start of the year.
The delay, insiders allege, is a calculated strategy by some within the leadership to continue benefiting from lucrative trips and allowances tied to international events hosted by the International Boxing Association.
While routine reports from the president, secretary, and treasurer are on the AGM agenda, the glaring omission of the electoral process has triggered alarm.
Critics accuse the federation's Technical Directorate and Secretariat of hijacking the sport for personal gain, with the presidency seemingly sidelined or powerless in the power grab.
“Thanks for the heads up,” one disgruntled stakeholder said in an interview, “this being an elective year and with the IBA calendar packed, they clearly don’t want to give up access to the travel perks. This is no longer about boxing — it’s about self-preservation.”
The federation's dysfunction runs deep. It doesn't even have a central office. The president is based in Triangle, while the SG and Technical Director operate from Bulawayo. The vice-chairperson, supposedly stationed at the Army School of Sports, has reportedly been in China for three years, effectively abandoning his post.
Despite receiving over 500 pairs of boxing gloves from IBA, there's been little evidence of fair distribution. In provinces like Harare, stakeholders say they’ve received nothing. Instead, resources are reportedly channelled to favoured allies.
National tournaments are often hosted in Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South — areas aligned with the current leadership — making it impossible for under-funded provinces like Harare to attend or participate in national selections.
This orchestrated exclusion has bled into the ring.
Zimbabwe’s amateur boxers have been a disaster on the international stage, turning in dismal performances due to politically motivated selections, tribal favouritism, and regional bias in appointing national coaches. In one glaring incident, an entire national team failed to make weighin at a major tournament despite being present and no explanation has ever been given.
Stakeholders are calling on the recently-appointed Sports and Recreation Commission board to intervene immediately, questioning the constitutionality of an AGM without elections in an elective year.
They also point out the financial burden of traveling to Gweru for a meeting now — only to possibly return again if elections are scheduled later — something many simply cannot afford.
Despite these crises, ZBF officials are conspicuously absent from key SRC and Zimbabwe Olympic Committee engagements, prompting further questions about the legitimacy and functionality of the current leadership.
Questions sent to federation president (Festus) Dumbu were yet to be responded to at the time of going to press. Secretary-General (Arvin) Mathe could also not be reached for comment.
However, indications are that Zimbabwean amateur boxing is punch-drunk and appears leaderless, with athletes and stakeholders paying the price. As the sport drifts further from the values of fair play and development, the question is no longer if reform is needed — but whether the sport can survive without it.
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