The DRC's Leopards set a new record at the African Boxing Championships held in Yaoundé, Cameroon (July 28-August 5).The Congolese set a new record with 15 medals, including 5 gold.
The Leopards of boxing continue to multiply their prowess on the international stage. At every outing, the Congolese honor their country by bringing home medals. This was once again the case at the latest African Championships for men and women, held in Yaoundé, Cameroon (July 28 - August 5). They won 15 medals: 5 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze.
Pita confirms, Kulenguluka settles in
Among the gold medal winners were three male boxers, including Pita Kabeji (-80 kg). The title holder after winning gold in Maputo in 2022, the young Congolese pugilist confirmed his title in Yaoundé, becoming the first Congolese double African boxing champion. In the final, he beat Brazzaville's Anauel Ngamissengue on points. Meanwhile, Steve Kulenguluka (-71 kg) has finally established himself at the top of his category. Absent from the 2022 African Championships in Maputo due to a late arrival, Steve Kulenguluka has taken his revenge. The DRC's great revelation at the Mohamed V Trophy in Marrakech in 2022, with a silver medal snatched from his grasp, won gold in his first African Championships in Yaoundé.
Nzengala and Mujinga reveal themselves
During these African Boxing Championships, the DRC saw some revelations. The biggest was Boniface Nzengala (-67 kg). Not even a Congolese champion, the young boxer was snapped up at the last minute by the national technical director to join the Congolese delegation. And to everyone's surprise, he went all the way and won gold in his category. The DRC's last two gold medals came in the women's category.
Marcelat Sakobi (-57 kg) regained the African title she lost in Maputo in 2022. In Yaoundé, she took part in her third consecutive final in her category. A record for a Congolese athlete in all disciplines. The other gold medal was won by Tekesala Malewu (+81 kg).
The DRC's other revelation at these African Championships was Frazier Mujinga. At less than thirty years of age, he represents one of the DRC's great hopes for the coming years.
Taking part in his first African Championships, the young Congolese boxer made a strong impression, winning most of his bouts before the limit. Unfortunately, he only won a silver medal (-57 kg) after falling in the final to Morocco's Samghoulis. Far from being discouraged, he promises to do better at the next edition.
Second behind Morocco
The other 5 Congolese silver medals were won by Tshama David (-75 kg) and Mbeli Nathan (-86 kg) in the men's category. The women's medals went to Nyembo Gisèle (-52 kg), Mbalayi Merveille (-60 kg) and Mwika Marie-Joelle (-81 kg). The 4 bronze medals were won by Tulembekwa Livens (-52 kg), Kitangila Idriss (-60 kg) and Mbangi William (-92 kg) in the men's category and Mbabi Brigitte (-75 kg) in the women's category. With 15 medals, of which only 5 were gold, the DRC won the highest number of medals in Yaoundé, but finished second overall, ahead of Morocco, which won only 11 medals, but only 8 gold.
