Andiego buoyant as Kenyan women's boxing team gear up for African Championships

Veteran Kenyan boxer Elizabeth Andiego is brimming with optimism as she prepares to lead the national team at the African Boxing Championship in DR Congo later next month.

As the ladies team captain, Andiego has been at the forefront of the training sessions at Mathare Deport in Nairobi, helping to galvanize her teammates and instill a much-needed sense of belief in their abilities.

"We have put in the work, and I am confident that our efforts will pay off in DR Congo, as we wait to get into an official residential camp" she said during our interview.

 "Our preparation has been intense, and we have a blend of youth and experience that gives us a competitive edge as we wait on government and well-wishers support."

Kenya's boxing team has been training rigorously, focusing on both physical conditioning and technical prowess.

The coaching staff, led by head coach David Munuhe, has been working tirelessly to fine-tune the athletes' skills, ensuring they are in peak form for the championship.

Andiego, who has represented Kenya in numerous international competitions, including the Olympics, knows the challenges that lie ahead but remains undaunted

"After the Thailand competition I have not participated in any serious competition which is a challenge. In DR Congo the competition will be tough, but we are going there to win.

“Our goal is to secure as many medals as possible, and I believe we have the talent to do so," she asserted.

The African Boxing Championship is a crucial event for the Kenyan team, as it provides an opportunity to not only showcase their skills especially after missing the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Andiego's leadership and experience will be vital in guiding the younger boxers through the pressures of such a high-stakes competition.

With the championship fast approaching, the entire Kenyan team is united in their mission to make their country proud.

As Andiego puts it, "We are ready to fight for Kenya and bring home the glory.

“In the last championship we got 7 bronze medals and now we are aiming to upgrade them to gold medals.

“We will do better than the last championship."

The nation waits with bated breath, hopeful that their boxers will indeed return with a collection of medals, marking yet another successful chapter in Kenya's rich sporting history.