The National Olympic Committee of Zambia (NOCZ) team, led by President Alfred Foloko, Secretary General Boniface Kambikambi, and Team Zambia Chef de Mission for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games Rodrick Ndhlovu, met with a delegation from the Zambia Boxing Federation (ZBF). The ZBF delegation was headed by President Dan Chiteule and General Secretary Gift Banda.
Speaking after the meeting, ZBF President Dan Chiteule described the interaction as fruitful and an eye-opener. "It was very important that we discussed a number of important issues that can be beneficial to the Federation now and in the future." He highlighted the fantastic collaboration between ZBF and various stakeholders since he took over as President, praising the support from NOCZ and the Government through the Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts.
Giving more details about the Boxing Team heading to Bangkok for the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers, Chiteule said, "We've had boxers in camp, the ones going for the qualifiers, namely Stephen Zimba, Margret Tembo, and Mwengo Mwale, in camp for almost a month now. They have been training very hard, and we are positive that they will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games."
NOCZ President Alfred Foloko stated that the continued close interaction with leaders from the various affiliate National Federations as a lead-up to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is being done as part of the adequate preparations for the Olympic Games. "This was our third meeting with federations, and from these interactions, we are able to zero in on what we should do while working together for the benefit of the athletes."
Foloko also announced that NOCZ is fully funding the Boxing team's trip to Bangkok, Thailand for the Paris 2024 Olympic Qualifiers to be held from May 24 to June 2, 2024. "We realized the potential that the three Boxers have, and we are committed to helping the young athletes have another shot at qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. That's why we will be fully taking care of all the expenses associated with the three athletes and one Coach attending the Olympic qualifiers," he added.
Chiteule further elaborated on the plans for the team's preparation, saying, "In order to have the team ready for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, we've requested early camping, then probably have the boxers or boxers, depending on the outcome from Bangkok, train outside the country. If that can come through, we will be very happy, and it will add extra motivation for the boxers and probably bring good results from the games."
The boxing team, led by National Boxing Coach Wisdom Mudenda and comprising boxers Stephen Zimba, Margret Tembo, and Mwengo Mwale, who will be competing in the 71kg, 50kg, and 57kg weight categories respectively, is expected to leave for Bangkok this evening.
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