Motsewabeng dropped from national boxing squad

National boxing team coach, Khumiso Ikgopoleng has dropped DTCB boxer Thabang Motsewabeng ahead of the 2013 AIBA Men's World Championships that kick-off on Saturday in Almaty, Khazakstan. Motsewabeng was part of the five-strong team of boxers who travelled to Mauritius last month for a training camp to prepare for the World Championships, but Ikgopoleng had to cut the squad to four because of financial limitations. "Because of the finances, we cannot take the whole team. I also felt some of the boxers were not ready for this level," Ikgopoleng told Mmegi Sport.

Budding boxing star, Kagiso Bagwasi, made the cut and is expected to carry his club form to the global boxing showpiece.  Bagwasi has been in terrific form this year and goes to Almaty buoyed by his recent Mooka Mageu National Boxing Championships triumph.

Former Olympian, Oteng Oteng carries the responsibility of guiding the youngster and two other Botswana boxers at the tournament. Oteng has previously competed in the World Championships. His coach, Ikgopoleng fancies the boxers chances after his last display at the tournament. "He fought quite well in his first fight the first time he took part in the World Championships. He then lost the second one," he said. Mooketsi Lekgetho and Mmusi Tsiige make up the team that will represent Botswana in Almaty. Ikgopoleng is upbeat his boxers will pass the preliminary stage and put up a strong challenge in the competition. However, an ideal preparatory camp for the coach would have been outside the country. The athletes are presently in camp in Gaborone and have been training twice a day.

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