Frustrated Kasemang takes a break
Calistus Kolantsho | Sunday January 14, 2024 08:22
Kasemang is the current champion in the 60kg and 66kg categories and has been competing since 2016. Despite dominating the two categories, Kasemang failed to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games and said she has been excluded from the team attempting to qualify for Paris 2024 Olympics.
Speaking to MmegiSport, Kasemang said she has not been included in the Olympics team, although the Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) insists she is part of the squad. “I did not make the cut for the second Olympic Games, which are my last games. I think it is time for me to find something that can make me grow.
I am not disappointed about how my career panned out. If this is not for me, I leave more especially if it is no longer beneficial to me,” she said. Kasemang said when she switched from football, her aim was to inspire and motivate young girls through her growth. The boxer said unfortunately that is not happening and she cannot not stay on. “I cannot stay where there is no growth. I have lost two matches, nobody is assisting me to improve my game. I am losing and I am not growing, that is why I am leaving amateur boxing,” she said.
For his part, BoBA president, Gilbert Khunwane said he was not aware of Kasemang’s decision. “The boxer has not informed us about her decision. I only learnt about it from the media. Officially there is no communication from her or the club. However, we intend to sit her down and understand her reasons,” he said. Khunwane said they are in the middle of preparations for Olympics and Kasemang is part of the team that is attempting to qualify. He added that the boxer is aware of that and it is important to find out why she wants to jump the ship.
“I think it is lack of understanding; she is part of the team,” he added. Meanwhile, Kasemang was among athletes who were enrolled at the Alliance Française to learn French as part of preparations for Paris 2024. When asked about the enrollment, Kasemang said she had challenges in attending lessons last year. “I am yet to establish if I should come and finish off my lessons. I would inform them that I do not have a chance of qualifying for the Olympics. It is up to them to decide if I continue or not,” she said.
Kasemang's career highlights: 2022 Africa boxing championship-silver medalist-Mozambique 2022 Commonwealth Games-quarter finalist-Birmingham 2020 Olympic qualifiers-quarter finalist- Senegal 2019 Botswana National Championships-gold medal