BUSINESS WEEKLY REPORT
Jamal who declared his intentions to contest for the continental top seat last month said his priority is to help develop the sport and contribute to the fact that boxing becomes one of the most popular games in Africa.
“We want to have a Grand Prix in Africa and other continents. Our principal is to grant boxers the opportunity to participate in large scale tournaments. Large scale ensures quality boxers come through.This will motivate youngsters to take up the game while watching their champions instead of engaging in destructive social activities” he said.
Jamal,alongside Cameroon and Uganda federation presidents Bertrand Mendouga, Moses Muhangi respectively are the three candidates who have indicated an interest to take over from the Moroccan who is the first African to head the international body, IBA (then known as AIBA).
Moustahsane said the three candidates now await clearance from the elections committee which, among other things, will look at the integrity of each one of them and their overall contribution in boxing development in their countries, in the continent and internationally.
Said Moustahsane: “The candidates are now under eligibility check by the elections committee. We are waiting for the final and official approval.
“l’m not seeking re-election. I did one term, no need to do another one. It’s normally four years of two terms. Let’s see new blood taking over leadership of AFBC.”
Moustahsane was appointed AFBC President by IBA in 2017 after the international body suspended for three years Mali’s Kelani Bayor for “violations and disciplinary code” during the Africa Championships in Congo Brazzaville.
Jamal was elected the President of BFK in June 2019 after garnering 41 votes against Siaya County Treasurer Remjus Oketch who got 0,replacing John Kameta in an exercise which was presided over by Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC).
“Through the Ndondi Mashinani initiative we will strive to bolster the boxers fortunes at the grassroots level In a bid to help regain the country’s lost glory in the sport.Boxing is only second to athletics in as far as Olympics and Commonwealth Games medals are concerned. I urge all boxers to work harder as we strive to create an enabling for all. ” said Jamal in his acceptance speech.
Founded in 1960 as Africa Amateur Boxing Association, the continental body has yet to make an impact in the development of boxing and improve the standards of the game.
By Fred Odanga Azelwa.