Mafika Dominates Competitive Club Tourney
Tumelo Mouwane | Monday April 11, 2016 14:55
Spurred on by their new technical partnership with All Kasi kit, Mafika saw all their boxers win all their bouts. The tournament attracted 66 boxers from 10 clubs across the country. The competition also featured a single exciting women’s clash.
In a stern fight of amateurs, Bosele Dimpisi of Eastern Military Garrison (EMG) emerged victorious in the sole women’s fight after she defeated Beauty Phori of UB boxing club by 3-0 in the 52kg encounter.
Mmoloki Thipe of Gantsi Boxing Club defeated Mompati Kabanjera of Maun while Tefo Rammupudu of Gantsi outclassed Khumonyame Basupeng of UB by 3-0 in the 57kg category.
In a one sided clash, Kitso Molebo of Mafika sent solid blows to Katlego Galetlale of UB defeating him 3-0.
Shafie Labane of Glen Valley fell victim to Oratile Sekuni of Maun in a steady fight. Labane lost through a Technical Knockout (TKO) in the second round.
In a national team boxers’ affair, Kefentse Molalapata of Diamond Trading Company Boxing Club (DTCB) defeated Kutlwano Ogaketse of UB 3-0 in the light weight category. Karabo Phillip Magunda registered a second TKO of the tournament after demolishing Karabo Phuthego with a solid fight.
Oteng Phatshwe of EMG defeated Innocent Chombo in an eventless fight by 3-0 while Johnson Kolobe of Mafika defetated Treasure Moremi of DTCB 3-0. Monthusi Moitoi of UB fought until the dying minutes before he succumbed 2-1 to Atang Mosenke of Prisons Boxing Club.
BoBA public relations officer, Kenny Maragana was impressed with the quality at the tournament. Maragana said the tournament was impressive since boxers showed high levels of fitness.
“We have just come from off season, but it’s hard to realise that because the level of fitness of our boxers is very impressive.
“Our athletes can fight until the last minute. It is an indication that generally fitness is at a higher level.
The executions, techniques and tactics are of a very high bar. We haven’t experienced a situation where boxers couldn’t fight due to fatigue. It’s a sign that they are ready for the season,” he said.
Maragana encouraged women in boxing to come forth to take part in tournaments. “We had a single women’s fight and the athletes are new in boxing. We hope that we will be relying upon them in the future and we encourage women in boxing to come forth and take part in such tournaments,” he said.
The tournament was used as a selection criteria for the national championships. Athletes need to play at least 70 percent of the tournaments in order to be guaranteed selection for the championships.