Boxing - Pita Kabeji: "To win a third straight title and make history"

Sport News Africa: Pita Kabeji, the African Boxing Championships will be held in the DR Congo for the first time ever. What does that mean to you?

Pita Kabeji: It's a great honour for all of us to finally compete in the African Championships on home soil. We're used to going away and winning medals, and now we'll be at home, which will make it even better.

You are the two-time reigning African champion in your category. Does that put pressure on you, or do you fear not doing as well in front of your own crowd as you have away from home?

Pita Kabeji: Right now I feel no pressure, my morale is at its peak. I've prepared very well and I'm ready to defend my country and grab a third gold medal in a row, to set a record never achieved in Africa. I will write a piece of history that several generations will talk about, by winning this third consecutive title.

You have the best record in amateur boxing in the DR Congo. What will be your strength here in Kinshasa at these African Championships?

Pita Kabeji: It's true that seeing my supporters, my fans and our country's flag will motivate me every time I step into the ring, but my greatest motivation will be my mother, who is leaving Lubumbashi to come and watch me fight in Kinshasa. I will also have my son by my side. I won't let down my family or my country.

Speaking of your family, your wife is a boxer and is also part of the national team. What does it mean to you to be able to compete alongside her?

Pita Kabeji: She is the first person who motivated me to box. There was a time when I had decided to stop, but she convinced me to carry on boxing. She is very important to me in my everyday life, with all the support she gives me; and competing in these African Championships at home with her is something magical. The gold medal I am going to win in Kinshasa, I will dedicate it to her and to my son.

You are captain of the Leopards. What is the mood in your group ahead of the start of the competition?

Pita Kabeji: All my team-mates are in a good place mentally, we have prepared very well. There are no incidents to report. We will represent our country with credit.

Do you have a message for the Congolese public?

Pita Kabeji: I want them to come in numbers every day to support us, and we will make them proud as usual. We have to finish top of the overall medals table this time.