26 Jun 2024

Botswana wrestlers Kelebogile Basupi and Jeffias Kulube made a good impression at the Beach Wrestling African Championships in Senegal, Dakar recently.

Botswana Wrestling Federation (BWF) founder, Moagi Sharp, said the duo were making the international appearance debut, but managed to prove their prowess.

He said in the men’s category, they started their competition with number one ranked team Senegal, adding that he was happy that Kulube managed to avoid knockout in the first round.

He said there were three qualification rounds before a team could go to the quarter finals, and being knocked out in round one meant one was out of the competition.

He said despite the fact that he was making his debut, Kulube endured although he faced a tough competition from Senegalese wrestler.

In round two, he said Kulube faced Guinea Bissau who were also strong and still he managed to proceed to round three, where he once again faced Senegal for the second time. 

He said the round was tough for him, hence he could not proceed to the quarterfinals because he had low points.

He said his performance had ranked Botswana in 24 out of 32 countries, adding that it was a commendable effort given that it was his first time ever to compete at the continental even, and he started beach wrestling about five months ago.

In the women’s category, Sharp said they did better given that they were ranked 21 out of 32 countries in Africa.

He said Basupi started her bout with a strong opponent from Sierra Leone who was gigantic and towering over her. 

He said Basupi managed to proceed to the next round where she meet a South African, adding that she also to proceeded to the next round and met Sierra Leone again, but this time she was knocked out and could not proceed to the quarterfinal stage.

Sharp said if they were given assistance by the country they could have done better, adding that lack of resources forced them to field only two wrestlers while other countries had a number of wrestlers at the competitions.

While in Dakar, Sharp said he attended Beach Wrestling Coaches and Referees Course and managed to pass the exam.

“I was awarded certificate by United World Wrestling and upon my return I’m going to organise coaching and referees clinic with a view to impart the knowledge I got here” he said. ENDS