26 Aug 2015

Local 75 kg pugilist Zibani Chikanda redeemed the local boxing camp by bagging a silver medal at the just ended Africa Championships held in Morocco.

He lost to Egyptian opponent Hussein Hosam-Abdin in the finals.  Being a finalist Chikanda automatically qualified for the World Championships billed for Qatar in October. 

The Eastern Military Garrison 75kg pugilist made his intentions known that he could be trusted to defend the country’s name, as he stopped his first opponent Lassina Keita of Mali in the quarterfinals. He won the bout by TKO (technical knock-out) on second round to book himself a place in the semi-finals.

Although Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) had four boxers through to the semi-finals, only Chikanda did his first win not by fluke but by repeating his winning feat knocking out opponent John Togolese Koudeha in second round. 

His teammates were not as fortunate as Kagiso Bagwasi lost to Algerian and Tefo Rammupudu lost to Ghanaian opponent.   Thabang Motsewabeng who won 3-0 against Vivian Obameobame of Gabon in the quarterfinals had a tough time in the hands of his Egyptian opponent.

Coach Lechedzani Master Luza’s hope of bringing five medals was not far-fetched as the team brought three bronze and silver medals from the meet. 

 In an interview prior to their departure, Luza defined his team as conquerors.

 He said his side was ready to take on any opponent in Africa, but given the current state of affairs in Morocco, the prolific coach has to come and strategise if he was to put up a sterling performance at the upcoming Africa Games.  

The sole female boxer in the team, Keneilwe Rakhudu did not fight due to lack of opponent.  Luza said that generally the boys played well considering the magnitude of the competition.

The coach said they are the only country from zone four who have reached the finals and said it should be appreciated that most countries are yet to qualify for the Qatar meet. 

The mother body, International Boxing Association has guaranteed medals on their website as follows; Morocco eight seconded by Algeria with seven and Tunisia and Uganda with five medals each.

 

Botswana, Egypt and Ghana have four each. Mauritius, Seychelles and Togo have one each. The team wa expected back in the country yesterday. Ends