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Yusuf Nkobeza has encouraged his compatriots in the Bombers camp to seize the opportunity presented by the upcoming Africa Boxing Championship and create a positive impact in their lives.
Nkobeza, who clinched a bronze medal at the previous edition of the Africa Boxing Championship in Maputo, Mozambique, in 2022, has become a symbol of resilience and determination.
Despite his past success, Nkobeza was unfortunately left out of the team that will represent Uganda in this year's tournament, set to be held in Cameroon.
Undeterred by this setback, the 25-year-old boxer expressed his heartfelt wishes for his brothers and sisters preparing for the tournament.
In his message, he acknowledged the disappointment at missing out on the opportunity to participate in the competition again, but urged those selected to seize the chance and opportunities it brings.
Nkobeza emphasized the importance of utilizing this platform to not only bring glory to the nation but also secure a prosperous future.
“I want to wish my brothers and sisters who are preparing for the Africa Boxing Championship all the best,” Nkobeza said in his message.
“I missed out on the opportunity to play at the tournament again, but those that have been selected should grab the chance and the opportunity that comes with it.”
The bronze medalist sees himself as an inspiration to his teammates, as winning a medal and receiving the prize money has significantly improved his life by enabling him to acquire a piece of land.
He bought the land using the USD 5000 (UGX 18.3 million) prize money he received along with his allowances from the Uganda Boxing Federation.
It is on this plot, located in Mukono district near the picturesque shores of Lake Victoria, that Nkobeza chose to deliver his powerful message to his teammates.
"My two cents will be that they should use the opportunity granted to them to play in the tournament and bring the nation glory, but also secure the bag for their future because there are a lot of advantages to playing at the tournament," Nkobeza remarked passionately.
Reflecting on his own journey, Nkobeza highlighted the transformative power of sports. "With my background and at my age of 25, I couldn't have possibly dreamt that I would own a piece of land.”
“But this is one of the fruits and good stories about our sport," he shared, standing on his newly acquired plot.”
“He firmly believes in the potential of his teammates and expressed his unwavering faith in their ability to make Uganda proud,” he added.
The Africa Boxing Championship, scheduled to take place from June 25 to August 6 in Yaounde, Cameroon's capital, promises to be a thrilling event.
The Bombers have already earned an impressive track record in the tournament, returning home with ten medals from the past three editions.
The national team comprises five international-level players: Ukasha Matovu, a 2018 AFBC Youth Championships silver medallist now fighting at welterweight.
Light-heavyweight Idriss Mukiibi; super-heavyweight Solomon Geko; female welterweight Emily Nakalema, and Tukamuhebwa are the others
Seven more boxers will make their international debut in Yaounde, including the 18-year-old national featherweight champion Mulungi Kassim of East Coast Boxing Club.
Mulungi is also a City High School student. This youthful talent was preferred over Jonathan Kyobe, a bronze medallist in last year's Africa Championships in Maputo, Mozambique.
Other newcomers include minimumweight Joseph Kalema, lightweight Ssali Wasswa, light-middleweight Muzamir Semmud, middleweight Ronald Okello, cruiserweight Lawrence Kayiwa and super-heavyweight James Baraka.
Debutants in the women's category include light-flyweight Grace Nakinga, bantamweight Naddia Najjeme, featherweight Sharua Ndagire, lightweight Zahara Nandawula, and light-welter Erina Namutebi.
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