Hit Squad head coach Benjamin Musa emphasized that blame games and insults won’t help Kenyan boxers improve. In an exclusive interview, Musa urged local boxing fans to stop criticizing the Boxing Federation of Kenya (BFK) and Hit Squad’s technical team.
He expressed concern over irrational fans turning the national team into a scapegoat, noting that Hit Squad members receive more criticism on social media than in the ring. Musa’s comments follow a nationwide uproar after Hit Squad failed to secure slots in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
He insisted that neither the federation nor the coaches are to blame for Kenya’s poor international performance.
“We all know that we must invest heavily to get medals and opportunities only go to those, who are well prepared,” Musa remarked.
“On numerous occasions, we’ve found ourselves preparing for a short period and competing with boxers who’ve invested years in quality training,” he added.
“Whereas we only took a few weeks to prepare for the Paris 2024 Olympic qualifiers, our opponents began polishing their act four years ago. Do we stand any chance against such opponents? Your answer is as good as mine,” Musa said.
Musa criticized the unrealistic expectations placed on Hit Squad, pointing out the lack of investment at all levels. He found it absurd for the nation to expect success without adequate support and investment.
Musa expressed frustration over promises of support contingent upon success in tournaments, emphasizing the need for consistent backing before major events.
“It doesn’t make any sense when people say they will support training for a week, and facilitate our trips abroad for training camps only after we qualify,” Musa stated.
He argued that such priorities are misplaced since teams need to engage in numerous build-up matches prior to major tournaments. The trips, he said, are essential not only for exposing Kenyan boxers to quality competition but also for allowing them to train in state-of-the-art facilities.
