Boxing finalises ambitious strategic plan
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday January 27, 2026 10:09
Each club had one representative with commissions while committees were also represented. The discussions included organisational performance review, situational analysis, strategy development and finalisation. Speaking to Sport Monitor, BoBA president, Dirang Thipe explained that the review of the strategic plan was overdue because it is the most important tool in taking boxing in the right direction.
He said the previous leadership should have done the exercise to avoid the vacuum.
“When I was given the mandate to lead boxing, I vowed that I will take boxing back to the top where it belongs,” he stated.
“I intend to take boxing back to tier one in the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) funding model. As an association that takes itself seriously, we should be having a plan and even out stakeholders will take us seriously. Sponsors cannot invest their money in boxing when they do not know how or where it will be spent.”
Thipe added the new strategic plan is aligned with that of the BNSC and Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC).
He revealed that they worked with the same consultant who was also engaged by the two organisations.
According to Thipe, one of the critical things in his mind is to see boxing sending representation to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and bring medals. The BoBA president highlighted that it will work in his favour because his plan is to seek second term in 2029.
Thipe said discussions are at advanced stage with the BNSC to appoint Khumiso Ikgopoleng as the national team coach. He noted that Ikgopoleng is an international coach, and with his skills, an Olympic medal is possible.
“If things go my way, I do not think there would be anybody who will challenge me. I would have done what the general membership wanted me to do and it will only make sense for me to continue leading boxing,” he said.
Meanwhile, boxing held its Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in December where different motions were tabled.
The motions included BoBA fee schedule and fines, club licencing pathways, athletes management, president empowerment and a once off fees waiver for suspended.
Thipe explained that the OGM was the start to his leadership. He said one thing that came out clearly was that the previous leadership had many shortcomings more especially when it came to taking minutes during meetings.
“There were no minutes, even from the elective Annual General Meeting (AGM) that was held in August. The challenge was the resignation of the secretary-general a week before the elections, who was then replaced by interim secretary general.
“However, even before his resignation, record keeping was a challenge. That meant when we came in office, we were fumbling the entire place, we are managing and I believe we shall win. That is why the minutes were not included in the agenda,” Thipe said.
He mentioned that as Zone IV president, he intends to host Zone IV championships in Gaborone and that is a discussion he wants to push. Thipe said it has been a long time since boxing hosted any event.