The International boxing federation (AIBA) Star one (1) boxing coaching course climaxed on Monday at Kati Kati restaurant, Lugogo in Kampala.
The one-week course had 25 participants who did formal and oral examinations on the last day with successful participants getting AIBA certification when results return.
Ghana’s Star III (three) instructor Asare Ofori as the main instructor but was helped by Bombers Coach Sam Kabugo as the translator to Luganda. Afori urged the participants to put into practice what the knowledge they have acquired as they try to adapt to scientific approach to boxing.
“The participants put in effort and showed interest as the course went on. They had positive attitude and minded much to get data. I thank the local federation for providing an interpreter, who is also my former student. This enabled them participants get better explanation. They should get more scientific because in Africa, we want much to work from out head, we do not follow programmes, we do not keep data for analysis, evaluate and reference. I know majority of them will get the 75% pass mark from what I saw in class,” noted Ofori.
The formal exams are set by the international body which is also mandated to certify the coaches upon successful completion of the course.
Coach Sam Kabugo believes that the participants will go out more informed about the scientific approach and this will improve the level and quality of boxing in Uganda.
There were three women coaches that undertook the course including She Bombers Coach Mercy Mukankusi, Shakirah Muhammed and Aujo Judith Onoria. This is great for the development of female boxing in the country, according to Moses Muhangi, the Uganda Boxing federation (UBF) President. “We are going to ask for more international courses and also try to encourage women participation. Female boxing had been lagging behind yet we have talent. I think the participants will practice what they have learnt on return to their respective clubs and also pass on the knowledge,” noted Muhangi as he officially closed the course. He said that next on the agenda is the referees and judges course in a bid to improve on boxing officiating.
