Dubai-based boxing trainer Musa Batantu boosted the national boxing team (Bombers) that is under intense training camp at the Luzira prisons training school in preparation for next month’s All Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco.
The 25 boxers in camp are not showing any signs of slowing down on pursuit of medals at the continental showdown.
The Bombers are under the guidance of Patrick Lihanda as head coach, assisted by trainers; Twalib Mayanja, Sam Kabugo, Mercey Mukankuzi and Hassan Mohammed Mulandi while Zebra Ssenyange is the team manager.
But to have that extra touch ahead of the game, Uganda boxing federation (UBF) invited UAE-based professional trainer Musa Batantu to beef up the technical team.
Batantu, a former national champion, landed in the country from his Dubai base last week but had his first raining session with the Bombers on Tuesday in Luzira.
“I am impressed with the talent, level of commitment from both the coaches and fighters. In the period I have engaged the boxers, I see six medals already on table. These boys and girls only need government motivation,” noted Batantu after the Tuesday morning training session.
He said that the fighters need to increase on their strength and speed which is achievable in the remaining period.
UBF President Moses Muhangi said that the team will be trimmed to final 13 (8 boys and 5 girls) after the elimination trials set for August 7 at Lugogo Arena. “Batantu has modern techniques, scientific approach and fresh training knowledge acquired from abroad that can help the team,” Muhangi said.
Meanwhile, the national 2019 Novice boxing championship will run for a week from August 1 at Kira road police play grounds.
All bona-fide member clubs will take part in the championship that will start with medical examination on July 30 before the weight-in the next day.