Boxers sharpen ahead of Congo games
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday July 24, 2015 13:04
The tournament would be held at the UB Stadium with the medical check up and weigh-in in the morning, while the first bout is expected at midday.
BoBA spokesperson, Kenny Maragana said the national team would have another training camp next month. He said boxers from South Africa, Lesotho and Namibia would be part of the tomorrow’s tournament.
South Africa, Botswana and Namibia are regarded as the region’s powerhouses. Maragana said Botswana and South Africa have established a working relationship aimed at developing boxers in the two countries. He said South Africa and Botswana signed a working bilateral agreement in June.
“Boxing in South Africa is on a higher level compared to us. They have good facilities and working with them will benefit our boxers.
“We intend to use the opportunity we have been granted as an association,” he said.
Maragana said the three visiting countries are also using the platform for the Congo games. Meanwhile, coach Lechedzani ‘Master’ Luza said his boxers are ready for the weekend event. He said boxers have been in camp since the President’s Day holiday and they are ready for the fights.
He said they can only judge their performance on the day of the tournament.
“Most of the boxers won gold medals at the Zone IV championships except Motsewabeng and Rammupudu who came home with silver medals.
“That does not count because the entire team has qualified for the All Africa games,” said Luza. He said Lesotho confirmed participation on Thursday and the idea is to train with the kingdom’s boxers after the tournament. Luza said the two countries’ boxers are willing to learn from each other. Despite that, he said Botswana was ahead of Lesotho in terms of coaching.
All Africa Games team:
Tefo Rammupudu (49kg), Thabiso Mpolokeng (52 kg), Kabelo Bagwasi (60kg), Kefentse Molalapata (56kg), Kagiso Bagwasi (64 kg), Mmusi Tswiige (69 kg), Zibani Chkanda (75 kg),Thabang Motsewabeng (81kg)
Technical team: Emmanuel Galeboe (coach), Lechedzani Mster Luza (coach)
Team manager: Phetogo Tsheko.