DAR ES SALAAM: As boxing continues to gain popularity in Tanzania, women in the sport are making significant strides despite facing challenges in gaining recognition.
These determined athletes, like Zulfa Macho, Stumai Muki, Sara Alex, Jesca Mfinanga, and Nasra Msami, are breaking barriers and making waves in both amateur and professional boxing.
One such trailblazer is Grace Mwakamele, a historic figure who became the first Tanzanian female boxer to win a medal in amateur boxing post-independence. Growing up in the vibrant boxing hub of Keko Magurumbasi, Dar es Salaam, Grace was inspired by legendary boxer Rashid Matumla.
Her passion for the sport led her to balance training with small-scale entrepreneurship. A pivotal moment arrived when veteran boxer Fredy Sayuni discovered her training alone and invited her to join his gym near Keko Prison in 2012. There, she met Ayubu Mwansasu, a National Service boxing coach, who recognized her potential and encouraged her to train seriously.
“He saw me training alone and invited me to his gym. That’s where my journey began,” Grace recalls. Under the guidance of coaches like Mwansasu, she honed her skills and later joined the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), where she serves as a Corporal.
From amateur to professional boxing
Grace’s amateur boxing career is dotted with milestones. She represented Tanzania in the African Championship in Cameroon, earning a historic silver medal in the 67kg Super Welterweight category. “It was a tough journey, but I proved that Tanzanian women can compete on the continental stage,” she says.
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She added, “Starting from the quarterfinals where I won by walkover. In the semifinals, I defeated a Senegalese opponent despite her initial advantage. In the finals, I lost to Mozambique’s world champion,” In the amateur circuit, Grace has faced tough opponents, including Olympic champion Imane Khelif in France, though she lost via referee stoppage but her resilience and talent, makes her a role model for aspiring female boxers.
Grace boasts an impressive professional record of 14 fights, with 10 wins (7 by knockout) and 4 losses. Her natural strength has made her a formidable opponent, winning 70 per cent of her fights by knockout.
Challenges in female boxing
Grace has faced significant challenges, particularly the lack of regular opponents in amateur boxing. “There were times when I trained hard, but couldn’t find opponents as they would back out. This led my club and promoter, Major Seleman Semunyu, to suggest a transition to professional boxing,” she said Her professional journey hasn’t been without its hurdles.
She narrowly missed out on a championship belt against Ruth Chisale from Malawi, a loss that fueled her determination for a rematch. “I’m eager to prove that I deserved to win that fight,” she affirms.
A Legacy beyond medals
Winning the silver medal in Cameroon was a historic moment for Tanzanian women’s boxing. However, Grace feels her achievement hasn’t received the recognition it deserves. “I received more congratulations from abroad than from home. I had hoped for a hero’s welcome upon returning with the medal, but the reception was rather ordinary,” she said. Nevertheless, her recognition as the 2023 Female Athlete of the Year by the National Sports Council (NSC) is a step in the right direction.
She extended her gratitude to the Council for recognition. Grace remains hopeful about the future of female boxing in Tanzania. “I dream of winning a gold medal and presenting it to President Samia Suluhu Hassan. As a woman, I believe this would symbolize breaking barriers for women in sports in the country,” she said She also acknowledged other deserving women athletes like footballer Opa Clement and referee Pendo Njau.
Appeal to promoters
Grace called on boxing promoters to give female boxers more opportunities to showcase their talents. “The biggest challenge we face is the lack of consistent matches compared to men.
Promoters and sports leaders need to address this issue to ensure that women’s boxing thrives,” she urged. As Grace continues to break barriers and set records, she stands as a beacon of hope and an inspiration for women across Tanzania and beyond, proving that with determination and resilience.
