Boxers defend Zone IV title
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday February 2, 2016 14:53
She told Mmegi Sport yesterday after their arrival that they knew other countries will be fighting to snatch the title. Ntelamo said the tournament was used to gauge the Botswana team’s readiness ahead of the Olympic qualifiers that will be held in Cameroon. She said the outcome of the competition indicated that local boxers have improved their standard compared to last year.
In the women’s competition, Koketso Dipogiso beat Batlhabile Zigubu of South Africa. Keamogetse Kenosi lost 2-1 against Nomusa Ngema also from South Africa. Their bout was voted the best women bout of the tournament. Another local boxer, Keneilwe Rakhudu suffered a 2-1 loss to a Mozambican boxer.
Otukile Mohammed lost by a technical knock out (TKO) in round one against a South African boxer. That did not spoil the spirit as Marshal Mokgwela beat another South African 2-1 in the 52kg category. Kutlwano Ogaketse suffered a 2-1 loss to Swaziland boxer in the 56kg section.
Kabelo Bagwasi redeemed the mood when he convincingly beat Mozambican boxer, Paulo Jorge 3-0 in the 60kg category. The Diamond Trading Company (DTC) boxing club member was voted boxer of the tournament. Another hard-hitting local boxer, Lentswe Zwinila beat Lorenzo Cossa of Mozambique 3-0 in the 69kg section.
The fight was declared the best bout. Zibane Chikanda, a member of Eastern Military Garrison (EMG) boxing club, continued the locals’ impressive run when he outfought Snamiso Nutu of South Africa 3-0 in the 75kg category.
Ntelamo said the team will leave for a training camp in Morocco in a fortnight. She said local boxers are going to have an opportunity to train with boxers from countries that were not part of Zone IV competition. She said it will also be an opportunity to acclamatise before travelling to Cameroon.