19 Apr 2023

Botswana Boxing Association’s (BoBA) good governance has motivated Debswana to increase its sponsorship amount.

The sponsorship for BoBA awards has increased from P250 000 to P412 000.

Speaking at the launch of a new sponsorship deal this week, Debswana corporate affairs manager, Agatha Sejoe, said poor governance had the potential to scare away prospective sponsors.

“The fact that we have increased our support for boxing and are happy to continue to be associated with the sport is a recognition of good governance by this sporting code,” she said.

Sejoe also said the increment showed that the company was committed to corporate social investment and that it had the desire to continue unearthing talent.

She said that they started their association with boxing in 2010 with an inaugural sponsorship of P50 000.

BoBA president, Gilbert Khunwane, said the awards would be the second post COVID-19 and 11th overall.

He applauded Debswana, clubs and other stakeholders for supporting boxing development.

For his part, Botswana National Olympic Committee vice president, Michael Moroka, applauded BoBA for keeping its house in order, saying this ensured Debswana’s continued support.

He urged BoBA to continue producing results since no sponsor would put their money where there was no positive outcome.

Moroka also assured Debswana of accountability of sponsorship funds.

Still at the launch, BoBA also released nominees for this year’s awards.

Nominees for best male boxer are Ernest Kegolotswe, Kobamelo Molatlhegi and George Molwantwa while best female boxer of the year will be contested for by Phekie Bele, Keamogetswe Kenosi and Lethabo Modukanele.

Coach of the year will pit Choga Nthoi against Thebe Setlalekgosi and Mothusi Taele while affiliate of the year will be contested for by SSKB, EMG and Francistown Boxing Club.

Administrator of the year will be battled for by Peter Tshenyego, Chabongwa Pilane and Moseki Moseki.

Nominees for best referee are Frazer Mothibi, Linda Tone and Godfrey Kablay while Gaolefufa Othamile, Hlanganani Moses-Digwere and Josephine Ntshipe will contest for judge of the year.

The most promising male boxer will pit Ribbin Modise, Katlo Kgowe and Sekwaipe while the last category of most promising female boxer will be fought for by Gorata Setlabe and Keobakeng Phillip.

The awards will be held in Gaborone May 27. ENDS