Harare– The chairperson of ZIMSPORT Development for Economic Development (ZIMSPORTD4ED) has dismissed what he called “false claims” about the organisation’s leadership, as the body unveiled a new television channel and touted a string of high-impact boxing tournaments aimed at youth empowerment and economic inclusion.

Gabriel Togarepi, addressing the media at the Media Centre in the capital, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sport-for-development initiatives following a series of amateur and professional boxing events across the country—including an international tournament featuring seven countries to mark Zimbabwe’s 46th Independence Anniversary.

“ZIMSPORTD4ED is built on results, partnerships, and consistent delivery—on the ground where sport transforms lives,” Togarepi said. “We take this opportunity to reaffirm the integrity of our work and dismiss false claims being circulated by individuals seeking to misrepresent the organisation’s leadership and mandate.”

The organisation’s recent activities began with an amateur boxing tournament at Lord Malvern High School in Harare celebrating President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s birthday. In November 2025, ZIMSPORTD4ED staged a professional gala at Phil-Jen Country Lodges in Chivhu, attended by senior ZANU PF officials including Politburo member Dr Mike Bimha.

A landmark international tournament at the City Sports Centre on April 11 drew competitors from seven countries, with Togarepi stating that boxers received “competitive and respectable purses” through expanding sponsorship partnerships.

Togarepi also announced the launch of a new television channel dedicated to grassroots and traditional sports, beginning with coverage of an upcoming tournament in Masvingo in September.

“As we continue expanding our footprint, we remain guided by a simple truth: the true spirit of sport is born in dusty local pitches, school grounds, and community spaces where passion first takes root,” he said.

Clyde Musonda, director of Delta Force Boxing and MMA Academy, offered vigorous backing for the organisation, describing ZIMSPORTD4ED as having fundamentally improved boxing promotion in Zimbabwe.

“ZIMSPORTD4ED has changed the way boxing is organised, promoted, and supported in our country,” Musonda said. “From the planning stage to the final bell, you have shown that professionalism is not a word for speeches alone. It is a practice—faithful, consistent, and anchored in respect for the sport and the people behind it.”

Musonda, who identified himself as someone who has “personally benefitted” from the organisation’s approach, directly addressed the leadership controversy.

“And to those who think they can mislead people with false leadership claims—let me speak with the certainty of someone who has seen the work up close,” he said. “ZIMSPORTD4ED does not survive on rumours. It survives on delivery. On the ground. In the planning. In the partnerships.”

He praised the organisation’s commitment to fair compensation, noting that tournaments have come with “structure, seriousness, and an evident commitment to fairness—especially when it comes to purses and the welfare of athletes.”

Togarepi said ZIMSPORTD4ED is in advanced planning stages for an Africa Day Sports Tournament aimed at deepening continental collaboration, with details on date and venue to be announced.

“Sport is the vehicle, the people are the purpose, and evidence is the standard,” Togarepi said. “We call on all stakeholders to measure ZIMSPORTD4ED by the tangible outcomes we deliver—events held, opportunities created, and lives improved.”