Botswana steps-up Zone VI golf Preparations

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday March 5, 2010 00:00

Botswana Golf Union (BGU) secretary general, Mpho Kelosiwang said the team is fresh from a two-day training camp and also participated in the Botswana Closed in Gaborone last weekend.

Twelve countries from the SADC region are expected to participate in the tournament, which runs from April 12 to 15.

Kelosiwang said the challenge is that most players are tied through work commitments and some might fail to report for training as a result.

'We are not sure if all the players will turn up for training due to work commitments,' Kelosiwang said.He said there are faced with a challenge of lack of qualified coaches. Kelosiwang said the lack of technical expertise is hampering their preparations as they are forced to turn to trainers from South Africa.

'We rely on importing expertise from South Africa. The few we have here are not available most of the times,' he said.

The squad comprises Diane Lucas, Walter Seokemong, Peter Podise, Shane Granger, Phenyo Lekgowa, Mpho Kelosiwang, Charlton Makoko , Stuart and Marcus Smith and Mpho Orapeleng. Eight players will be fielded while the remainder will be reserves.

In the last edition, the Botswana team came fifth out of 10 countries.

Meanwhile, in an unrelated development, six boxers leave on Monday for the 5th Commonwealth Championships in New Delhi from the March 10 to 18.

In a statement, the Botswana Boxing Association (BBA) said the selected boxers are Bathusi Mogajane (49kg), Michael Rantsho (52kg), Tirafalo Seoko (56kg), Oratile Segokgo (60kg), Gomotsang Gaasite (64kg) ad Moabi Mothiba (69kg).

The team is coached by Johannes Dilhabnga who is assisted by Orapeleng Mosalakgotla. BBA vice administration, Tsietsi 'Shakes' Kebualemang is the team manager.

Oteng Oteng and Lentswe Zwinila have been dropped from the team.

The Championships are in preparation for the fourthcoming Commonwealth Games to be held in New Delhi in October