Three members of the Uganda national boxing team, the Bombers, have hit the cash and medal brackets at the ongoing Africa Elite Boxing Championships in Cameroon, albeit, without throwing a punch.
Solomon Geko (heavyweight), Erina Namutebi (light welterweight) and Grace Nankinga (light flyweight) were given byes to the semi-finals.
The trio will each bag at least $5,000 (about Shs. 18 million) and a bronze medal should they fail to get beyond the semi-finals.
However, they are still in contention for the silver or gold medals, which come with $10,000 (about Shs 37m) and $15,000 (about Shs. 55m) respectively.
The other members of the Bombers team have also been drawn in their respective quarter-final matches.
Quarter-final draws
- James Baraka (86-92 kg) vs Kebe Karamba
- Lawrence Kayiwa (80-86kg) vs Landu Mbeli Nathan (Congo)
- Zahara Nandawula (57-60 kg) vs Hadjila Khelif of Algeria
- Sharua Ndagire (54-57kg) vs Hlioui Nouhala of Morocco
- Nadia Najjemba (52-54kg) vs Abdelkader Fatma Zohra of Algeria
- Emily Nakalema (63-66kg) vs Kate Isim of Nigeria
- Muzamir Ssemuddu (67-71kg) vs Muxanga Tiago Osorio Mozambique
- Joseph Kalema’s (46-48kg) vs Cameroon’s Wouang Marcial
Round of 16
- Tukamuhebwa vs Collin Louis Richarno of Mauritania
- Idris Mukiibi (75-80) vs Robert Oraka Nehemiah (Kenya)
- Kassim Murungi (54-57kg) vs Sigauque Armando Rugoberto of Mozambique
- Ssali Amir Wasswa (57-60kg) vs Irungu Ethan Maina of Kenya
The semi-finals and finals will be held on August 5 and 6.
Courtesy Photos
