Namutebi ready to punch her way to gold

Erina Namutebi is targeting gold at the African Boxing Elite Men’s and Women’s Championships in Nairobi, Kenya, determined to improve on the silver medal she won at the 2023 edition in Yaounde, Cameroon.

The UPDF FC boxer believes experience, better tactics and lessons from her previous appearance will give her a stronger chance when the championships run from October 15 to 28 at Kasarani Indoor Arena.

Speaking to Kawowo Sports, Namutebi said preparation would be key to handling the challenges of the continental competition.

“The African Boxing Championships are a bit hard if you haven’t prepared for them but can also be easy if you have prepared. They have many challenges, but if you are a well-prepared boxer with good training, it is smooth because I have been there, I know what is there and I am prepared for it,” she said.

Having experienced the championships before, Namutebi intends to change her approach as she goes for gold.

“I expect to change the tactics I used in the previous championship. It will be different this time, despite me attaining silver. This time I am targeting gold because I have known all that is there,” she added.

The boxer is also confident that recognising her past mistakes and working on them with her coaches will make a difference.

“There are times when you see yourself making mistakes and you didn’t know, but now I know those mistakes and what to do about them with the guidance of my coach. I am prepared,” she said.

Celebrations as Namutebi bagged Silver in Cameroon.

Beyond winning medals, Namutebi wants to build a name for herself in boxing, starting in her home area before gaining worldwide recognition.

“My goal is to get famous as an exceptional boxer in about three villages from where I come from. That is still in me, getting known in the whole world as I also get the good things that come along,” she said.

She is ready to push herself to the limit to achieve her ambition.

“I am going to work hard, even if it means my hands leave my shoulders and the coaches have to put them back on me. Let it be,” Namutebi declared.

Namutebi is one of three boxers returning from Uganda’s 2023 team in Yaounde. The 17-boxer contingent was led by head coach Twaib Mayanja and assistant Ramadan Seguya, with Joshua Tukamuhebwa and Emily Nakalema serving as captains.

The other returnees are men’s captain Ukasha Matovu and Kassim Mulungi.

This time, Namutebi will compete under women’s captain Diana Atwine and a different coaching leadership led by Lawrence Kalyango, who also hails from COBAP. The technical team also includes Akram Ssenvewo, Eric Nyeko, Hassan Abdu Asuni and returning coach Ramadhan Seguya.

Uganda’s Bombers have sent a 28-member contingent led by the Uganda Boxing Federation, comprising 18 boxers, three coaches, two referees and officials. Matovu, Mulungi and Namutebi are among the boxers representing the country.

The championships, organised by the African Boxing Confederation (AFBC), have attracted 20 countries, including Egypt, Algeria, Angola, Nigeria and host Kenya.

Kenya’s Hit Squad has entered 40 boxers across the men’s and women’s weight categories, while Nigeria has sent a 19-member delegation, including 10 elite boxers, five men and five women.

Namutebi’s task is to turn the lessons from Cameroon into gold in Nairobi. She believes she now understands the competition better and is ready to make her experience count.

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