The Sunday Mail
Langton Nyakwenda
HERS is an interesting sporting story that has been spiced up by an even more intriguing love life.
Kudakwashe “Take Money” Chiwandire, left her two-year-old daughter Chicco at home with the father Aldrigde Ruwocha, on the night that she won the Women’s International Boxing Association (WIBA) bantamweight belt.
The 23-year-old Chiwandire, who hails from the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Academy, defeated Zambia’s Joyce Chileshe by a second round TKO to capture her first international title at the Harare International Conference Centre on May 25.
“It’s very difficult to be a mother and at the same time doing sport. But, my husband always gives me full support.
“He stays home with our child when I go for training or matches and I thank God for such a husband,” revealed Chiwandire last week.
In fact, it was the husband, who is popularly known as Sensei Mayor in kararte circles, who introduced Chiwandire to boxing.
“My husband also taught me karate before introducing me to boxing,” says Chiwandire, who was nominated for the 2018 Sportswoman of the Year award after winning the Africa Full Contact karate tournament held in South Africa in September last year.
Chiwandire’s boxing journey started in September 2015 when she beat Sibusisiwe Khumalo at a packed Chivhu Hall during one of Charles Manyuchi’s boxing nights in the Mashonaland East town.
Chiwandire’s aggression and movement that night charmed Malawian promoter Craig Rosseau of No Pain No Gain stable who instantly signed the talented female pugilist.
“She (Chiwandire) has the potential to become a world champion,” Rosseau told this publication back then.
“Today you are talking of Manyuchi as an international boxing star but soon you will be talking about this girl,” Rosseau went on.
Four years later, Rosseau’s prediction is coming to fruition as Chiwandire, who has since left No Pain No Gain for Manyuchi’s stable, is slowly climbing up the international boxing ladder.
“With God everything is possible. I am also working hard so that I keep on achieving more. This WIBA title is a massive boost but I am aiming for more,” Chiwandire told The Sunday Mail last week.
Chiwandire moved her modest record to 3-2-0 when she beat Chileshe at the HICC on Africa Day and there were signs from the bout the lady might soon hit gold.
The 23-year-old pugilist, who was raised in Harare’s high density suburb of Highfield, is a former footballer who once turned out for Women’s League side Cyclone Stars.
She is also a former athlete and a karate star.
“I have done all of that, you can say I am multi-talented but I think boxing is close to my heart. I have realised one can earn a living through this sport.
“That is why I want to thank my promoters and directors at the Charles Manyuchi Boxing Stable for giving me this opportunity,” said Chiwandire, a boxing gold medalist at the 2014 National Youth Games.
Respected boxing trainer Clyde Musonda, who once trained Chiwandire when she was still with No Pain No Gain, described the pugilist as “a hardworking star.”
“The sky is the limit, she (Chiwandire) will make it to the top. Everything is about dedication and discipline is key to success,” said Musonda.
