Coach Musa upbeat ahead of IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships

As Kenya’s crop of elite women boxers in the Hit Squad prepare for yet another journey to the IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships in New Delhi, India, team coach Musa Benjamin took some time to weigh on the daunting task ahead, while also putting into consideration the technicalities involved in it.

“Contrary to what many of us perceive, the World Championships are not a walk in the park,” Musa told Mozzart Sport as the team worked on their final touches before embarking on the trip. “I would say they are even tougher and stronger than the Olympics.”

Kenya has not had eye-catching performances before, most notably shown in last year’s event in Istanbul, Turkey when only two boxers - Lorna Kusa and Elizabeth Andiego got past the preliminary rounds - with their journeys ending in the round of 32. Kenya has appeared only twice in the medal ceremony - 1 gold and 1 silver - since the championships inception in 2001.

“Getting a friendly draw is one of the top things that determine your path,” Musa said about the ingredients to turning around the recent record. “I would term the entire experience as a journey. It's all about making progress. Round by round to stage by stage. That should be the approach.”

That's a similar tact Musa is plotting to use in the March 14-26 event as he named his final squad of 11 boxers who will take part in the odd-year championships.

Experienced Elizabeth Andiego will captain the side that will also involve Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Christine Ongare, Africa Zone Three gold medalist Teresia Wanjiru, Tokyo Olympic Games debutant Elizabeth Akinyi and Africa Zone Three silver medalist Lorna Kusa.

Also in the traveling squad for the first time will be Friza Anyango and Pauline Chege, boxers Musa believes portray the entire squad’s outlook.

“I have seen two young boxers with spirit, great attitude and a willingness to learn,” Musa said. “The resilience they have also shown in their first time around us has been so good to see. I credit the rest of the team for showing them how we do things here.

“Having not to supervise everything is motivating for a coach.”

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With personal initiatives locked in, Musa, in his own admission, took away various lessons in the previous years that based on much of what he wanted his boxers to refine during training.

“We had to work on our speed,” Musa said. “A boxer who offends, defends and moves around the ring with ease is way above the rest. I noticed we looked a tad slower and that's why you've seen us move to the road during our ‘specialization stages.’ Perfecting range, hands and feet is a big determinant to how deep your boxers advance.”

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For a man who has steered Women’s Boxing towards clinching African championships, Musa believes that as long as there is a clear mentality around all boxers rather than pressure and worry, the sky's the limit.

"I have had conversations with them,” Musa said. “It is always good to hear athletes place all manner of expectations on their heads but for me it is all about enjoying the moment in the ring. That plus our dedication and realization that every stage is a final will push us through to the finish line.

“No pressure.”

The Kenyan contingent is set to take off on Monday or Tuesday morning, BFK confirmed early Sunday.