Boxing team rekindles hopes for gold

Mogajane sailed through after beating a Malagasy opponent. He is already assured of a bronze. To make the final, he will have to overcome a Cameroonian opponent.  

Mogajane's qualification for the semis raised Botswana's morale after a heart-breaking loss by Jonas Moeti in the 60kg category on Monday.

Moeti narrowly lost to a South African boxer after staging an impressive comeback in the final rounds. He was headed for a win but time was not on his side and his opponent was saved by the bell.

Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) public relations officer, Modibedi Modibedi said the team still has medal hopes in boxers like Oteng Oteng (51kg) and Mmoloki Nogeng (57kg) who are scheduled to take on Moroccan and Guinean opponents respectively.

'I was talking to the coach yesterday (Wednesday) and he told me that the duo is ready for their opponents.

''I was told that despite joining the team late due to school commitments, Oteng trained well with the rest of the squad and did not show any signs of fatigue.

''We are hopeful they will win their bouts,' Modibedi said. He added that they know what to expect from their opponents.

'You find that boxers from Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia are of the same physical built, and they usually have the same style of fighting,' he explained. Oteng might have to face a veteran Moroccan boxer in the 51kg category.

The Moroccan was a finalist at the 2008 Olympic games in China. The Mauritius tournament will end on Sunday and the team is expected back home on Tuesday.