Defence Forces Amateur Boxing Association (Defaba) team celebrate after winning the Boxing Federation of Kenya National League title at the Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County on December 21, 2024.
The Defence Forces Amateur Boxing Association (Defaba) team is entering the new season with confidence and determination after an outstanding 2024.
Defaba claimed their first Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) National Boxing League title since 2019, winning the fifth and final leg in Homa Bay with 26 points, bringing their season total to 126.
This victory ended a decade-long dominance by Kenya National Police Service Boxing Club, Chafua Chafua. Police and the Nairobi County Boxing Team shared second place, each finishing the season with 46 points after the final leg, held from December 18 to 21.
Defaba's dominance was evident throughout the season. The team won four of the five legs held in Kisumu, Embu, Nanyuki, and Homa Bay, while drawing with Police in Mombasa.
The Police team, however, missed several crucial matches due to financial constraints, including the Kisumu, Embu, and Homa Bay legs.
Defaba’s stellar performance extended beyond the local league. At the Africa Military Games in Abuja, Nigeria, all their boxers medalled, bringing home four golds and a silver.
This marked the first time the games had been held since 2002. Edwin Okong’o, who earlier made history at the Africa Games by clinching Kenya’s first boxing gold in 17 years, added another gold in Abuja in the middleweight category.
Other gold medallists included Dennis Muthama in bantamweight, Kelvin Maina in flyweight, and Friza Anyango in welterweight. Veronica Mbithe secured silver in the women’s welterweight division, further solidifying the team’s reputation on the international stage.
As the 2025 season begins, Defaba is determined to retain its league title and solidify its place as a powerhouse in Kenyan boxing. The team is also eyeing a significant presence in the national boxing team, the Hit Squad, for upcoming international competitions.
This year’s boxing calendar is packed with high-profile events. The International Boxing Association (IBA) Women’s World Championship is scheduled for March in Belgrade, Serbia, followed by the IBA Men’s World Championship in May.
The Africa Boxing Championships are set for August, with the Africa Zone Three Championships in October.
Defaba chairman Paul Mung’ori attributed the team’s remarkable run to effective recruitment, discipline, and depth.
“Talented boxers like Anyango, Mbithe, and Muthama are a manifestation of our strategy,” he said. Mung’ori highlighted the impact of integrating women boxers, noting that it has added significant value to the team.
Coach Moses “Black Moses” Mathenge emphasised the critical role of Kenya Defence Forces management in the team’s success.
“Leadership is everything, and that is what our bosses have shown. Most of our opponents failed to honour their league matches due to lack of funds,” Mathenge noted.
Despite their triumphs, Defaba faces challenges. Some boxers are scheduled for promotion courses and work-related training, which may affect their availability.
However, Mathenge expressed confidence in their current roster and the technical bench, which includes seasoned coaches like two-time Africa champion Nick Okoth, Nick Abaka, and others.
“Four golds and a silver in Abuja was a good performance, but our aim was for all boxers to win gold. The planning by our panel of coaches has been crucial to our success,” said Mathenge.
He praised the unity within the technical team, describing it as a “family atmosphere” that fosters success.
While appreciating BFK’s capacity-building initiatives for coaches and judges, Mung’ori called for corporate sponsorship to ensure the league’s sustainability.
Mathenge echoed this sentiment, urging the federation to prioritize fairness in local competitions.
“Favouritism kills talent. We must let deserving cases prevail for the good of boxing,” Mathenge stated. He emphasised that rigorous preparation is key to maintaining their winning form both locally and internationally.
With a strong foundation and strategic planning, Defaba is poised to build on its 2024 success and establish itself as a dominant force in Kenyan and African boxing.
