Kenosi returns after national team snub
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday February 25, 2022 16:00
Kenosi has been left out of the national team that has travelled to Maputo, Mozambique to start preparations for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The games are set for July 28 until August 8 this year.
The team will train and compete in a friendly tournament to be held today (Friday). According to information reaching this publication, the boxer is facing a snub from some officials, which might affect her presence in the national team. The source said the situation nearly led to Kenosi quitting boxing. “Kenosi is currently in Francistown.
There is a likelihood that she will not be part of the Commonwealth Games team. But she has been training this week so we just have to keep our fingers crossed that she makes it into the team,” a source said.
The source said Kenosi was not even aware of the trip to Mozambique. Kenosi confirmed to Mmegi Sport that she will be competing tomorrow. When asked about her plans, Kenosi said she intends to work hard to get a slot in the national team. “There are other upcoming women boxers who are hungry for the national team. So I cannot afford to relax.
We shall see how things shape up but for now, my focus is on tomorrow’s tournament,” she said.
Kenosi dismissed reports she was about to quit the game, adding she was still young to think about it. “It is something that has not crossed my mind. I am aware that before the Olympics, some issues led me to contemplate quitting but now I just want to block off negative energy.
Look, things happen in sport but it does not mean we should quit. We should just buckle up and push on. This is life,” Kenosi said. BoBA spokesperson, Moitshepi Nkabiti said Kenosi was invited for camp but since the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, she has not been active. “She was called for camp but did not turn up. She had an opportunity and still has an opportunity to be part of the team.
It seems like she has been training in Francistown because in Gaborone she has accommodation challenges. For her not to turn up means she knew that she was not in shape,” he said.
Nkabiti said Kenosi should also impress the technical team but would not confirm or deny that she will be part of the Commonwealth Games squad. He said the BoBA technical team would want the best boxers to represent the country in Birmingham. The team that is in Maputo comprises Kobamelo Molathegi (51kg), Rajab Mohammed (54kg) and Lethabo Modukanele (49kg).
The head coach is Gibson Rauwe.