Insufficient preps led to pugilist downfall

Rwanda’s pugilist team has put blame to inadequate preparations for the poor performance exhibited in the on-going East Africa Military Games. The national team head coach Gashugi Kananura who also doubles as the Technical Director of Rwanda Amateur Boxing Association (Raba) told Sunday Sport yesterday that lack of build ups and sparring is the main factor which led to the poor show from boxers. “Boxers had no sparring due to lack of equipment. The equipment was made available in the last week to the event,” Gashugi said. The veteran coach added that lack of competitions and build up bouts was also a major factor. Hassan Matunzi, one of Rwanda’s top boxers lost to Tanzanian Omar Salehe 21-15 in the light feather weight (48kg) category while Eric Baributsa was stopped by Kenyan Saleh Mulingi in the Fly weight (51kg) on 18-20. In the bantam weight (54kg) category, Olivier Nsengiyumva retired hurt after earning serious punches from Uganda’s James Kakembo. In the feather weight (57kg) category, Michel Gashumba also retired from bout hurt on hands of Kenyan Nicholas Okath. In the light weight (60kg) category, Simon Niyitegeka lost to Uganda’s Hakim Abdu 20-21. Meanwhile, Uganda had ten boxers in the finals of the East Africa Military Games played yesterday. Olympian Ronald Serugo, fighting in the light flyweight led Uganda’s assault for glory in the finals which were under play by press time. Ends