Boxers rake in 22 medals in 2014
Teichler Rankoa | Tuesday December 9, 2014 11:58
Local boxers brought four gold medals, eight silver and 10 bronze from various competitions throughout the year. “Boxing sport did not perform badly in the past year. “I want to tell you that 2013/14 has been a year of success with some promising achievement of 22 medals collected,” said Patlakwe during the association’s Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) in Mogoditshane on Saturday.
Patlakwe said the achievement was down to hard work and commitment from those involved. He said this is a good record that they should be proud of.
The new boxing boss, elected in October said there is always room for improvement, hence the need to continue working together for a common goal.
“Let us work together to help boxing and try to rebuild our association. I know we will disagree on some things, but let us disagree to agree on order to move forward,” Patlakwe said. To improve the results, Patlakwe said as 2015 begins, a new approach for Botswana boxing is needed. He said they need a targeted, result-oriented approach in order to do well internationally.
Patlakwe said they will channel their energy towards grassroots development, with particular emphasis on the Re Ba Bona Ha programme.
“It (Re Ba Bona Ha) is a skill development programme that seeks to introduce sport to children throughout the country,” Patlakwe said. He highlighted that Re Ba Bona Ha programme’s objectives are to introduce sport to children in the age categories of five to 17 years and also to augment efforts of the affiliates of Botswana National Sports Council in establishing youth teams.
“We also want to help in the transformation of the under-achieving image of our country Botswana, and want to keep young people occupied with boxing.
“We need to involve more clubs and schools in this programme if we want to achieve our mission,” Patlakwe added.
Patlakwe pleaded with officials of boxing clubs to encourage discipline as his committee would not entertain bad behaviour. He said the BoBA is working on the policies to guide BoBA’s activities including disciplinary measures.
“Botho le boitshwaro jo bo duleng mo tseleng bo tla a tseelwa dikgato tse di maleba (Mischief and bad manners would be dealt with accordingly).
“Remember boxing is a sport of discipline and this should be seen in our daily lives from boxers, officials to management,” Patlakwe said.