Kenya Police Boxing team "Chafua Chafua" are already sharpening their talons with their sights firmly trained on a successive third title, head coach Dave Munuhe has said.
Munuhe, who doubles up as the Hit Squad assistant coach, spoke in an exclusive interview on Tuesday, a day after arriving with the national boxing team from an international trip in Uzbekistan where they participated at the IBA World Boxing Championships.
Munuhe said he is sprucing up his charges for a successful title charge at the Mathare Depot in Nairobi.
"We embarked on early training because we are determined to retain our title and we are aware our opponents will be coming for us in full force," Munuhe said.
He stated that they have bolstered their ranks ahead of the new season after roping in two fighters who have already proven their mettle in national team colours.
"We've brought in two new boxers to help steer us to another title this year, including heavyweight Robert Okaka who joins us from the Nairobi County boxing team," Munuhe said.
'Chafua Chafua' stormed the 2022 Kenya National Boxing League title after racking up 133 points in Nakuru in December.
The law enforcers' victory was the fourth in the five-course tournament that began in Kitale earlier last year.
Kenya Defence Forces 'Defaba' emerged runners-up after collecting 112 points as Nairobi County fizzled to a distant third with 46.
Kibra Olympic was fourth with 29 points followed by Kisumu County (15) as Githurai (44) and Kajiado County tied for sixth with 14 points each.
Kongowea (13), Vihiga County (12), Laikipia County (10), Mbaraki (6), and Siaya County (6) completed the top 10 list.
Meru County and Dallas ranked 11th with five points while Nakuru and Trans Nzoia counties were joint bottom of the standings with a point each.
Munuhe hopes the upcoming season will be free of the challenges that plagued them last year.
The Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) unveiled the 2023 calendar of events earlier in the year with the youth and junior championships setting the season in motion in January.
The first leg of the National Boxing League will take place in Vihiga on September 14-16.
Next up will be Machakos on October 12-14, followed by Nakuru between November 2 and 5). Nanyuki will host the fourth leg on November 23-25, ahead of the grand finale in Kisumu on December 7-8.
Kenya Police are the national champions and will hope to repeat the feat this year with a third consecutive title.
