In a bold effort to elevate Tanzania’s boxing standards, the government plans to recruit Cuban boxing instructors to train local coaches and enhance the skills of the national squad. By incorporating the renowned Cuban boxing style into Tanzania’s training program, this strategic move aims to prepare athletes for major upcoming international competitions.
The proposal was outlined by Lukelo Willilo, President of the Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT), during a recent working session in Dodoma with Damas Ndumbaro, the Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports.
Willilo explained that the plan to hire Cuban trainers is part of a broader initiative to adopt the Cuban boxing style, which is celebrated for its technical excellence, including superior footwork, precise punching, and effective distance control. This method has been championed by Cuban boxing legends like Teofilo Stevenson and Felix Savon, who have made a lasting impact on the sport.
Willilo emphasized that the program aligns with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Tanzanian and Cuban governments.
As a board member of the African Boxing Federation (AFBC), Willilo stated, “The minister assured us of bringing in a foreign coach from Cuba to enhance boxing in Tanzania and help us develop our own boxing identity.”
By integrating Cuban boxing techniques and expertise, Tanzania hopes to significantly boost its competitive edge on the global stage. The introduction of Cuban trainers is expected to refine Tanzanian boxing with new insights and advanced methods, paving the way for greater success in international competitions.
Building a distinctive boxing identity and philosophy from the ground up is seen as crucial to this initiative.
The discussion also touched on Tanzania’s past Olympic performances and explored strategies to improve results at the upcoming African and Commonwealth Championships, as well as the Olympic Games. Attendees from judo and athletics showed a broader commitment to advancing sports across various disciplines.
Willilo, alongside BFT Secretary General Makore Mashaga, also discussed plans for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, the 2027 African Championships in Cairo, and the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister for Culture, Arts, and Sports, Hamisi Mwinjuma; Permanent Secretary, Gerson Msigwa; and Acting Director of Sports, Ally Mayay, along with other Ministry representatives.
