Bad Start For Team Botswana
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday December 6, 2021 16:00
Chef de mission, Peace Seleka said some outdoor games had to be postponed as some grounds were water logged. Although admitting that Botswana started on the back paddle, he was hopeful that the team would bounce back.
The boys football team registered a 2-0 loss against Angola. They also settled for a draw in their second encounter. On the other hand, the girls team lost their first match with the second match taking place late yesterday.
In basketball (5*5), the Botswana boys team lost 120-45 to Angola in the opening match. The girls team were scheduled to play South Africa, however the game was postponed as South Africa players are not cleared with International Basketball Federation (FIBA).
Botswana registered first win through boxing on Saturday with boxer, Shatiso Makhani (63kg) beating his competitor, meaning the country managed to get the much needed win on his first bout. Makhani won by disqualification against a Zambian national Mwandwe Shaft. In other bouts, Boitshoko Chepete (51kg) lost 5-0 against Mwale Mwengo of Zambia. Another thrilling bout in the Under-54kg category, Kago Mkheswa lost to Angola’s Sambiaku Banzoy by a split decision (4-1).
The Boxing schedule proceeded yesterday as the Under-17 girls kicked off their bouts. Athletics kicks off the Region 5 Games campaign on Thursday. Team manager, Eric Mandawu said all eyes are on the team because normally athletics brings medals from international and regional competitions and it is only right for the team to follow suit.
“We have a strong team that I expect would bring positive results. We have been training well since our arrival here. Some of the athletes have experience from the 2020 World Athletics Junior Championships that were held in Kenya. At the same time we do not want to put pressure on the team. This is a building process which was not easy,” he said. Other codes are taekwando, volleyball, swimming, athletics for the virtually impaired, judo, netball and tennis.