07 Jun 2022

The boxing national team is in camp ahead of the Commonwealth Games slated for England next month.

Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) public relations officer, Moitshephi Nkabiti, said the team led by coach Thebe Setlalekgosi is expected to be in camp until Friday.

 It will then use the remaining few weeks to fine-tune form and technique.

Nkabiti explained that not all boxers in camp would partake in the games as Botswana National Olympic Committee had availed five slots only.

He said the selected five included three women and two men.

The women’s side is made of Lethabo Moduakanele of DTC, her teammate Keamogetse Kenosi and Aratwa Kasemang of UB.

Gorge Molwantwa of BMC and Rajab Mahommed from Mafika will represent the men’s team.

He said other players who were in camp to accommodate any eventualities that may lead to changes were Phekie Bele of Francistown club, Kobamelo Molatlhegi of UB and Treasure Moremi of DTC.

As the pugilists embark on intensive training, the PRO said Setlalekgosi, assisted by Gibson Rauwe would also use the games to prepare for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

“National boxing had always been represented in different Olympics and we hope to continue that and increase the number of representatives,” he added.

Nkabiti highlighted that the intention was to represent Botswana in all regional and international games and bring positive results.

“Our aim is to bring medals home not to participate and come back home empty-handed,” he said.

He said even though their activities had been halted after the BoBA awards due to lack of funds, the team had been preparing for a while, having attended a training camp in Mozambique in February.

Nkabiti advised other boxers, who did not make it to the national team, not to give up, but continue working hard as a place in the team was determined by exceptional performance.

“All still stand a chance to represent the country at the 2024 Olympics and you can achieve this through hard work,” he said.

He further indicated that their tournaments which had been halted due to lack of funds were expected to resume soon. ENDs