BY: Kassim Kajosolo
Malawi’s national heavyweight kickboxing champion, Jimmy Katsoka, has received a major lifeline ahead of the Africa Day Kickboxing Championship in Harare, Zimbabwe, thanks to a generous K1 million donation from Capital Oil Refining Industries (Cori), through its Kukoma Cooking Oil brand.
Katsoka, 37, recently turned professional and was seeking K500,000 to cover travel and accommodation expenses. But during a vibrant cheque presentation ceremony in Blantyre, Cori’s Operations Manager, Moshin Sheikh, stunned attendees by doubling the requested amount, pledging K1 million to ensure Katsoka travels in style and comfort.
“After he appealed to the corporate community for assistance, we felt compelled to support him,” said Sheikh. “We believe in transforming lives and contributing to the growth of sport in Malawi.”
Sheikh, flanked by Sponsorship Coordinator Violet Kapolo, hinted that more support could follow, but only if Katsoka emerges victorious against his Zimbabwean opponent, Royal Dengezi.
The bout is scheduled for 31 May, with Katsoka expected to depart for Zimbabwe on Thursday, 29 May.
Visibly moved, Katsoka expressed heartfelt thanks to Cori for stepping in when he needed it most.
“This support has come at the perfect time. I’m motivated more than ever to raise the Malawian flag high in Harare,” he said.
Bright Limani, General Secretary of the Kickboxing Association of Malawi, was also full of praise for Cori’s intervention.
“We are truly delighted. This kind of support is exactly what athletes like Katsoka need to thrive on the international stage,” Limani told basketmediainc.com.
With the nation behind him and Kukoma’s support in hand, all eyes will be on Katsoka as he aims to make history and bring home glory.