Andiego lands in Mandela Cup finals

Kenya's Elizabeth Andiego (right) in action against Molka Mabrouk of Tunisia. [Courtesy]

With the draws that favoured Kenyan boxers in the inaugural Mandela Cup Boxing Championships in South Africa, Africa Zone Three heavyweight champion Elizabeth Andiego has landed in the finals.

Andiego who is also the Africa middleweight silver medallist will take on the semi-final winner between Mozambican two-time Africa champion Rady Gramane and Geane Dicks of South Africa.

The middleweight had only attracted three boxers.

Kenya sent two boxers to the weeklong showpiece that is aimed at preparing them for the second leg of World Olympic Qualifiers to be hosted in Bangkok, Thailand from May 25 to June 2.

The other Kenyan boxer in the event is the welterweight champion Frizah Anyango who was set to take on Africa welterweight champion Ivanusa Moreira of Cape Verde on April 17 in the quarterfinals yesterday.

Head coach Musa Benjamin confirmed only deploying two boxers in the tournament.

“Our confirmation is for only two boxers to feature in the showpiece as we prepare for other forthcoming international assignments that are facing us,” Benjamin told Standard Sports.

Benjamin left for South Africa on Tuesday night.

The International Boxing Association (IBA) has injected USD 500,000 as prize money for boxers who will reach the medal bracket.

A total of 157 boxers from 24 countries are taking part in the tournament with 56 female and 101 male boxers in attendance.