Boxing gets a saviour
Jan 25, 2004
I Say So<br>THE old saying that you reap what you sow has been proved right in tycoon Michael Ezra’s relationship with Ugandan boxing.
I Say So
By James Bakama
THE old saying that you reap what you sow has been proved right in tycoon Michael Ezra’s relationship with Ugandan boxing.
Ezra, touched by the sport’s greatly wasted potential, decided to finance their Olympic campaign. It’s hardly a month since his move into the sweet science, but results are already there for all to see.
An Ezra-funded team to an Olympic qualifier in Morocco, wound up with two slots to the Athens Games on top of a gold, two silvers and three bronze medals.
Remember that Uganda risked missing the Olympics because of the sports ministry’s lack of funds.
Ezra however says his sponsorship is strictly for the Athens Olympics.
But I am one of those who strongly want him to stay a bit longer for the simple reason that he has moved into a sport where such attention guarantees success.
With such care, I see the Bombers punching their way back into a boxing super power.
If Ugandan boxers have been winning medals on empty stomachs, what will happen if they are assured of three meals a day?
You can also imagine the output of a fighter boosted from rags to a new kit.
All this on top of a monthly pay of sh500,000 to whoever qualifies for the Olympics. The Ezra Boxing Board (EBB) also wants maximum concentration from coach Dick Katende, who will earn sh700,000.
EBB does not also want a repeat of stories like that of Joseph Lubega, in which he was denied a gold and Olympic qualification by a simple arm injury. A medical scheme with a reputable doctor has now been put in place.
Then, there will also be a stint in Cuba.
All this aggregates into hope. A sport that has always salvaged Uganda only to be spat at by authorities, finally has someone who cares.
It’s such morale that preceded Olympic medal winning performances by Eridad Mukwanga and Leo Rwabwogo in 1968 and 1972.
Quite impressive. But shouldn’t those on whom the responsibility of catering for national teams directly falls also tell us what they are sowing?
jbakama@newvision.co.ug
By James Bakama
THE old saying that you reap what you sow has been proved right in tycoon Michael Ezra’s relationship with Ugandan boxing.
Ezra, touched by the sport’s greatly wasted potential, decided to finance their Olympic campaign. It’s hardly a month since his move into the sweet science, but results are already there for all to see.
An Ezra-funded team to an Olympic qualifier in Morocco, wound up with two slots to the Athens Games on top of a gold, two silvers and three bronze medals.
Remember that Uganda risked missing the Olympics because of the sports ministry’s lack of funds.
Ezra however says his sponsorship is strictly for the Athens Olympics.
But I am one of those who strongly want him to stay a bit longer for the simple reason that he has moved into a sport where such attention guarantees success.
With such care, I see the Bombers punching their way back into a boxing super power.
If Ugandan boxers have been winning medals on empty stomachs, what will happen if they are assured of three meals a day?
You can also imagine the output of a fighter boosted from rags to a new kit.
All this on top of a monthly pay of sh500,000 to whoever qualifies for the Olympics. The Ezra Boxing Board (EBB) also wants maximum concentration from coach Dick Katende, who will earn sh700,000.
EBB does not also want a repeat of stories like that of Joseph Lubega, in which he was denied a gold and Olympic qualification by a simple arm injury. A medical scheme with a reputable doctor has now been put in place.
Then, there will also be a stint in Cuba.
All this aggregates into hope. A sport that has always salvaged Uganda only to be spat at by authorities, finally has someone who cares.
It’s such morale that preceded Olympic medal winning performances by Eridad Mukwanga and Leo Rwabwogo in 1968 and 1972.
Quite impressive. But shouldn’t those on whom the responsibility of catering for national teams directly falls also tell us what they are sowing?
jbakama@newvision.co.ug