BoBA positive despite sponsorship drawback

Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday November 17, 2015 10:43

BoBA president, Thato Patlakwe said lack of sponsorship did not stop them from hosting the championships.

He said the association was able to continue with the competition through the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) grant.

Patlakwe said they were unable to complete negotiations with potential sponsors, but are hopeful that next year a sponsor would be available.

The championships were held after the Kgalagadi Breweries Limited (KBL) under the Keone Mooka Mageu brand sponsorship expired last year.

Patlakwe said the championship is important for boxing as it is a platform to identify talent. He said the weekend event proved the quality of boxing has improved in the country. Patlakwe said boxers and clubs came prepared for the biggest boxing event in the country.

“Boxers gave their all because they wanted to be listed amongst the best in the country.

Everybody wanted to win and qualify for the finals that will be held this coming weekend in Gaborone,” said Patlakwe.

The BoBA public relations officer, Kenny Maragana said the competition has improved as evidenced by the number of surprises.  He said there were many technical knockouts due to injuries and for the first time, there was a tie.  He said it was surprising to see a seasoned boxer like Tirafalo Seoko knocked out by little known boxer, Mmoloki Thipe of Prisons Boxing Club.

He said the results are an indication that the finals are going to be the most difficult yet.

He said it was difficult to predict the winners under the current set up. Women boxers, Pearl Morake, Keneilwe Rakhudu, Koketso Dipogiso and Tshephang Moilwa have all made it to the next round of the championship.

Meanwhile, Patlakwe said the association had a successful year as they increased participation in the international tournaments. 

He said BoBA technical arm has been strengthened with the return of Healer Modiradilo.  He said other commissions and committees have also been strengthened to provide the association with guidance moving forward.