Boxers stuck, send out SOS

The Boxing Federation of Tanzania (BFT) is most unlikely to send its national team to the World Amateur Boxing Championships to be held in Chicago, USA, from October 20 to November 3. BFT Secretary-General Gaston Mlay said yesterday that the body needed about 40m/- to send the team to the championships which would be used as Olympic qualifiers. He said they needed the amount to ferry nine boxers and pay for their allowances and accommodation. ``We don`t have even a single cent, we are totally stuck. We are, therefore, appealing to the government, private firms and individuals to rescue us because this is one of the best Olympic qualify games,`` he said. He said the boxers were yet to receive US visas. ``Only two boxers have so far applied for the US entry visas. We do not know if they will be given. The rest of the boxers are going to lodge their visa applications tomorrow (today),`` Mlay claimed. He said BFT was planning to send nine boxers to the tourney, adding that they had planned to leave for USA on October 17 to compete in the event which will attract more than 1,000 boxers from 102 countries, 35 among them from Africa. Mlay said 13 boxers were training at the JKT Mgulani under coaches Benjamin Mwangata and Nassoro Michael. The boxers who are currently training are Ally Kimwaga, Emillian Patrick, Petro Mtagwa, Joseph Martine, Muhsin Mohamed, Hashim Simon, Rajabu Omary Mohamed Rashid, Mrisho Adam, Leonard Machichi, Lusajo Mwaipopo (light) and Amosi Godwin.