The Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) has named a provisional squad of 25-plus boxers for a selection camp ahead of the 2026 African Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The championships will be held from October 18 to 31, with BFT planning to use the camp to identify the 25 boxers who will represent Tanzania—13 men and 12 women.
BFT Secretary General Makore Mashaga said the camp will be held at the Police Professional College (DPA) in Kurasini, Dar es Salaam.
He said being named in the provisional squad does not guarantee a place in the final team, with boxers expected to undergo a competitive selection process before the delegation to Kinshasa is confirmed.
“We are entering these preparations with one goal—to build a strong team, conduct a fair selection process and ensure Tanzania is represented by the best-performing boxers,” Mr Mashaga said.
“Kinshasa is not an ordinary trip; it is a national responsibility, and our preparations must reflect that.”
The men’s provisional squad features boxers across 13 weight categories.
At 48kg, Juma Athumani, Gidion Mbena and Mohamed Juma have been selected, while Azizi Waziri Chala, Rajabu Omary and Said Adam Hamisi will compete for a place at 51kg.
Hussein Issa, Hussein Juma Chombe and Mohamedi Mjombo are listed at 54kg, while Mmbaruku Hussein, Moon Rashidi Mkali, Kulwa Jumanne and George Mbonabucha will contest the 57kg category.
The 60kg category has Credo Peter, Ezra Paulo Mwanjango and Hamisi Mtwale. Rajabu Yahaya Makobe, Ibrahim Malungu and Shafii Mmbaruku are listed at 63.5kg.
Abdallah Mfaume and Mohamed Juma Issa will contest the 67kg category, while Kasimu Mmbutwike, Saidi Hamisi Kanenda and Ally Mazimbo are listed at 71kg.
Joseph Silvester and Checknoris Masembe will compete at 75kg, with Yusuf Changalawe, Elankunda Daniel and Enzi Kasililika listed at 80kg.
The 86kg category features Shakuru Yodani, Abdallah Kasimu and Abdul Mohamed Mayosa, while Swedish Maalifa and Mhina Morris Magogo are listed at 92kg. Edwin Respikyus Zephelin is the only boxer named in the 92kg-plus category.
On the women’s side, Umukuruthum Athumani and Veronica Thomas Mapunda are listed at 48kg, while Aisha Idd and Martha Kimaro will compete at 50kg.
Sarafina Fussy and Enifa Jackson Mtafumwa are listed at 52kg, with Zulfa Yusufu Macho and Zulfa Mangola at 54kg.
Zawadi Amosi Kutaka is the only boxer listed at 57kg, while Vumilia Kalinga will compete at 60kg. Hidaya Zahoro is listed at 75kg and Recho Peter Msengi at 80kg.
The preparations will be led by BFT head coach Samwel Beatmen Kapungu, assisted by Muhsini Mohamed Mng’ola, Kasimu Hussein Kasimu, Doto Kasongo, Kelvin Kipinge, Antony Kameda, Nasser Mafulu, Iddi Hamisi Sukari, Yusufu Bakari Mnyeto, Mzonge Mraba, Said Hofu, Mafuru Mafuru and Mahamudu Kihonza.
The final squad will be selected after the training camp and assessment process ahead of the Kinshasa championships.