Shadreck Banda: Following Kanyanta’s footsteps

Rising Stars with DIANA MUTAKAFIMBO
HE is one of the many youngsters benefitting from the Oriental Quarries Boxing Promotions’ educational programme.
“Had it not been for Oriental Quarries, I would have been in the streets now,” says 13-year old boxer Shadreck Banda.
Shadreck joined the many youngsters that have been rescued from the wrath of the streets. He now has a normal life for a 13-year-old.
Born on December 24, 2001 from Agnes and Jethro Banda, Shadreck, who resides in one of Lusaka’s densely populated townships, Mtendere, is third in a family of four.
EDUCATION
The 13-year-old currently in grade nine at Vinsu School in Mtendere did not know the direction his life would take until Oriental Quarries took over the responsibility of supporting his education.
Shadreck is determined to complete his education and wants to join the Zambia Army.
Being a soldier is Shadreck’s dream.
“It doesn’t matter what position I will have in the army but all I want is to become a soldier wearing a combat,” he says.
Combining school and boxing can be a hustle especially with tedious training programmes but Shadreck manages to divide time.
CAREER
Shadreck started boxing in 2009 at African Directions where he was more of a street fighter than an organised boxer.
“I really didn’t know what I was doing, all I knew is I was a boxer but I rarely used to fight organised fights,” he says.
Despite having it rough, Shadreck was determined to get in to the organised amateur league and his prayers were answered when Oriental spotted his talent and roped him into their stables.
This, as Shadreck would put it, was the beginning of his boxing career.
He became more determined upon joining Oriental and doubled up his effort to win the support of his newly acquired promoters.
At Oriental, Shadreck was shaped up in to a standard boxer, who can ably compete without flouting any rules.
He was put in a programme that not only involved him being in the gymnasium the whole day but also continue with his education.
“I was just interested in boxing and I thought I could give it a try. Nobody really inspired me to start boxing, it was out of my own will and desire,” he says.
When he joined the sport, Shadreck realised that boxing is not just about throwing punches but required skill and tactics.
He began to work on his skills and so far poses the qualities of an orthodox boxer.
Shadreck has continued to build on his boxing career hoping he would one day represent the country at major tournaments like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.
Since he started competing Shadreck has a record of 15 fights, 14 wins and a draw.
He has however, not won any major title but it is his ambition to grab as many titles as possible.
Like any other amateur boxers,Shadreck’s intention is to turn professional and compete for major belts like the WBC, WBA and other international titles.
He believes he has all it takes to make it in professional boxing as he  believes in the notion that nothing is impossible if one sets their mind to it.
But before turning professional, Shadreck wants to ensure he leaves an indelible mark in the amateur ranks.
IDOL
Shadreck draws his inspiration from 2002 Commonwealth Games gold medalist Kennedy Kanyanta.
For Shadreck, Kanyanta is the most tactical boxer Zambia has ever produced.
Unlike many youngsters that look up to foreign heroes, Shadreck is a staunch believer in local heroes.
“There is nothing you can take away from foreign heroes, they are good but I just believe in local heroes. Kanyanta has style and I like the way he fights” says the spiderweight amateur boxer.
Shadreck’s experience has taught him to respect and appreciate the importance of sport and advises his fellow youths to join sport as opposed to being in the streets.
He also advises his boxing colleagues to confine their skill in the ring.
“Being a boxer does not mean one has to be a bully. Boxing is a sport which is only legal in the ring not outside,” he says.
dmutakafimbo@daily-mail.co.zm, 0966-819142.