Nairobi, Kenya – Sheila Auma, an 18-year-old bantamweight boxer, is poised to make her international debut as the youngest member of Kenya's national boxing team, famously known as the 'Hit Squad.' Her participation in the Africa Boxing Confederation (AFBC) Zone III Championships, which commenced on Monday, October 20, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Indoor Arena in Nairobi, marks a significant milestone in her burgeoning career.

Auma, affectionately nicknamed “Last Born” by her teammates, is among 12 Kenyan boxers making their international debut at the five-day championship. The tournament features 123 fighters from nine countries. Her journey into boxing began just last year, in April 2024, after she transitioned from football, table tennis, and handball.

Hailing from the Soweto slums in Kibera, Nairobi, Auma's aspirations extend beyond the boxing ring. She views the sport as a crucial enabler for a better life for her parents and siblings. “I want to box at the highest level. I want to use boxing as an enabler to a good life,” Auma stated, adding, “I want to give my parents and siblings a good life. I am certain that boxing will enable that and that journey starts tomorrow.”

Auma's path to the national team has been marked by rapid progress. Born on December 12, 2006, in Busia, she began competitive boxing after only two weeks of training. Despite early losses, including to Sakina Athiya and Eveline Nyambura at the Nairobi Novices Championships, she triumphed over Nyambura in the National Novices Championships. Her breakthrough came at the Kenya Open Championships, where she defeated Ann Wanjiru in the final, securing her spot in the 'Hit Squad' for the Zone III championship.

The 'Hit Squad' comprises 34 boxers, with 23 men and 11 women representing Kenya at the Zonal boxing extravaganza. The team's head coach, Musa Benjamin, has previously expressed frustrations over resource limitations and the absence of a proper residential training camp, though the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) later confirmed residential training at the Police Depot Hall in Nairobi.

Kenya last hosted the Africa Zone III Boxing Championship in 2005, and the current team, led by captain Boniface Mogunde, aims to reclaim the team title from defending champions DR Congo.

Historical Context of Kenya Boxing

Kenya's boxing history is rich with success, particularly during the 1970s and 1980s, a period often referred to as the 'Golden Era' of Kenyan boxing. The 'Hit Squad' nickname, though unofficial, became synonymous with the precision and dominance of Kenyan boxers on the international stage. Institutions like the Kenya Prisons Service, Armed Forces, and Kenya Police played a significant role in nurturing talent, providing essential infrastructure and discipline.

Notable figures from this era include Philip Waruinge, who won bronze at the 1968 Mexico Olympics and silver in 1972 in Munich, and Robert Wangila, who secured Kenya's first and only Olympic gold medal in boxing at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The country also achieved significant success at the Commonwealth Games and All Africa Games during this period.

Evidence/Data Box

• Age of Sheila Auma: 18 years (Born December 12, 2006)
• 'Hit Squad' Composition: 34 boxers (23 men, 11 women) for the Zone III Championships
• Championship Dates: Monday, October 20, 2025, to Friday, October 24, 2025
• Number of Participating Countries: 9
• Number of Boxers: 123

What to Watch

Sheila Auma's performance in the bantamweight quarter-final bout against Ethiopia's Roman Asefa Abate on Monday, October 20, 2025, will be closely watched. Should she advance, she is set to face her role model and mentor, African Games bronze medallist Amina Martha, in the semi-finals. The overall performance of the 'Hit Squad' at the Africa Zone III Championships will also be a key indicator of Kenya's current standing in regional boxing and its potential for future international competitions.