Hit Squad assistant captain Elizabeth Andiego has pledged to make the nation proud on the international stage this season.
The 38-year-old boxer has her sights trained on international glory.
“I want to win more medals this year. I feel I’m still strong enough to do so,” Andiego said in an interview.
“I’ve come a long way, and I believe a good performance this year will encourage more budding female boxers to grace the international stage.”
She rubbished rumours that she plans to hang up her gloves soon.
“I’m not retiring anytime soon. I still feel strong enough to battle for honours,” she said
“I’m determined to achieve international success in boxing and inspire future female boxers.”
Andiego’s journey has been anything but ordinary. She has faced formidable opponents and navigated through the complexities of international boxing.
During the 2024 Mandela Cup held at the Durban International Convention Centre, she showcased her prowess, turning her opponents’ faces into cherry pies. Yet, her journey has not been devoid of challenges.
At the 2025 IBA Women’s World Boxing Championships, Andiego faced a controversial quarterfinal loss to 23-year-old Wang Xiaomeng of China. The bout ended dramatically, with the Estonian referee stopping the fight just three seconds before the final bell.
Despite matching Wang blow-for-blow, the referee’s decision sparked protests from the Kenyan corner, who argued that Andiego was fit to continue.
Although eliminated under contentious circumstances, Andiego’s resilience shone through as she pocketed $10,000 (Sh1.29m) in prize money, an impressive feat considering the circumstances.
Event organisers waived a rule that requires fighters to win at least one bout to qualify for the payout.
At the 2012 Summer Olympics, she competed in the middleweight competition, but was defeated in the first round. She also competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, again losing in the first round.
Interestingly, Andiego’s initial foray into combat sports began with taekwondo. It was only in 2007 that she made the switch to boxing, a decision that would ultimately define her career.
This transition speaks volumes about her adaptability and willingness to embrace change, qualities that are essential for any athlete aiming for greatness.
Beyond her achievements, Andiego is committed to uplifting other women in the sport. As the head coach at BoxGirls Nairobi, she leads a programme designed to introduce women of all ages to boxing.
Her dedication to coaching reflects her belief in the transformative power of sports, particularly for women who have often been marginalised in male-dominated arenas.
