In a strategic move, Ghana has decided to withdraw from the upcoming Mandela African Boxing Cup tournament, scheduled to commence in Durban, South Africa on April 15. This decision comes as the nation sets its sights on the 2nd World Olympic Qualification tournament set to take place in Bangkok, Thailand from May 22 to June 2.
Following in the footsteps of Zambia, who cited financial constraints for their withdrawal, Ghana’s departure marks the second country to opt out of the prestigious event. Charles Jojo Sergius-Ephson, the Communication Officer of the Ghana Boxing Federation (GBF), elucidated that the federation’s primary focus is on channeling resources towards preparing their athletes for the impending Olympic Qualifiers.
In correspondence with AFBC Communication, Jojo stated, “The priority is to prepare our boxers with the limited resources available for the upcoming Olympic Qualifiers in Bangkok, Thailand.” He further disclosed that Ghana will be represented by a contingent comprising six male boxers and one female athlete, the US-based middleweight Ornella Sathoud, weighing in at 75 kilograms.
Jojo highlighted the financial strain caused by the timing of the Mandela tournament, especially following the substantial expenditure incurred during the African Games in Accra. Expressing a sentiment of timing, Jojo remarked, “They should have staged the Mandela Cup after the Olympics in September or October.”
Accompanying the statement was a photograph featuring Ghana’s US-based female middleweight, Dr. Ornella Sathoud, in a previous tournament, underscoring the nation’s commitment to international sporting endeavors.
📸 Photo courtesy: Ghana’s US-based female middleweight Dr. Ornella Sathoud (left) in a past tournament
✍🏼 AFBC Communication
