National boxing team head coach Benjamin Musa has hailed the country's emerging pool of talent, saying it is capable of steering Kenya to greater heights.
Musa said he saw an incredible demonstration of talent and promise among the competitors at the 2025 Kenya Open Boxing tournament in April and the National Boxing League's first leg in Busia.
"I'm happy with what I saw. There are some brilliant boxers with promising futures who showed up at the two tournaments," Musa said. "The events reveal a landscape teeming with promise. The budding boxers have begun to make their mark," he added.
Musa said among the standout performers, 16-year-old Chris Juma emerged as a beacon of hope for the future of Kenyan boxing. His impressive bouts not only showcased his technical prowess but also highlighted the depth of talent that exists within the youth ranks.
"His rise is a testament to the rigorous training and dedication that young boxers are exhibiting, a reflection of the hard work that is being put into the sport at the grassroots level," Musa said.
Alongside Juma, emerging fighters like Diouf Muimi are also capturing attention, further solidifying the notion that Kenya has a rich reservoir of talent waiting to be nurtured. "We have the likes of Juma and emerging fighters like Diouf Muimi. These are youths with a very promising future," he said.
"What's encouraging is that we have promising boxers who can make Kenya proud in the coming years," Musa said. Musa emphasises the importance of developing these young athletes to meet the required standards for international competition. "The significance of nurturing this talent cannot be overstated. All we need to do is to nurture them to the required standards," he added.
The path to success in boxing is not merely about talent; it is about systematic training, psychological preparation, and access to resources that can elevate a boxer from local competitions to the world stage. As Kenya prepares for upcoming competitions, including the Africa Boxing Championships and the World Championship, the stakes are high.
These events represent not just a platform for competition but a crucial opportunity for emerging talents to prove themselves on a larger stage. Musa’s anticipation for these tournaments underscores the belief that they will serve as a litmus test for the capabilities of the new generation of boxers. "Our next competition Oscar the Africa Boxing Championships, and we are still waiting for the organisers to confirm the dates," Musa said.
"Later, we shall be fighting in the World Championship, and these tournaments will provide a perfect platform for the emerging talent to prove themselves," he said.
Musa said the success of Kenya's boxing team in the future hinges on several factors. First and foremost, there is a need for a robust support system that encompasses coaching, training facilities, and financial backing.
" The role of sports federations and government agencies in providing the necessary infrastructure cannot be understated. Investment in training centres, access to modern equipment, and opportunities for international exposure are essential for fostering a competitive environment where young boxers can thrive."
