Boxing - Marcelat Sakobi: "I will win DR Congo its first Olympic medal in Paris"

Sport News Africa: Marcelat Sakombi, you have secured qualification for your second consecutive Olympic Games. How do you feel?

Marcelat Sakobi: Just very happy. It wasn't easy to qualify because everyone had come to Dakar to book their place, but not everyone got that chance. So I'm delighted and I want to thank everyone who helped me get there, my manager Godé Mwamba and our federation.

You lost your final to Tunisia's Khouloud Hmli, whom you had beaten at the last African Championships in Yaoundé. Are you disappointed?

It's a small disappointment, yes, but the main thing was reaching the final, which meant qualifying for the Olympics, and I did that. Finishing first or second really made no difference. But it's true that I would have liked to finish first.

2023 was a very good year for you, with you winning back your African champion's title and a second consecutive Olympic qualification. What was the secret?

The secret was hard work and the great personal motivation I had. I was determined to get back to where I belong.

"If I get the right support, I will win that medal"

Now that you have qualified, can DR Congo finally hope to win its first Olympic medal with you?

Marcelat Sakobi: Of course, if there is real commitment, I will win a medal. It will all depend on the preparation I get. If I get the right support, I will win that medal. The federation and the National Olympic Committee must really get involved, and my whole country must back me, because I gave up everything for boxing. I have a bachelor's degree in law, but I don't work at the bar because of boxing. It's all I have and I want to work hard to win this first medal for my country.

President Félix Tshisekedi has always shown an interest in sport. What message would you send him?

What he does with the Leopards football team, if he did the same for all the Leopards, especially those in combat sports, I think we would get great results. I am the only girl who has been winning titles in the country since 2017, but nobody thinks of me, and it really hurts. I ask the president to realise the honour I bring to the country by representing DR Congo on the world and Olympic stage, and to give me the means to represent DR Congo better in Paris.

Do you already have a set programme for your preparation?

In October we will be in South Africa for the IBA Mandela Trophy, then together with the federation we will draw up a proper preparation programme.

Masiala Jonathan