16 Mar 2016

The national boxing team is facing tough opposition at the ongoing International Boxing Association (AIBA) African Olympic Qualifiers in Cameroon.

At least five boxers were stopped as early as the preliminaries of the closely contested bouts that would see the finalists  secure a Rio 2016 quota. 

Botswana’s hopes are now pinned on light heavy weight sensation Zibani Chikanda who put a brilliant performance against his Namibian opponent in the preliminaries. 

Botswana would also rely on the nippy hooks of 64kg pugilist, Kagiso Bagwasi. Bagwasi underlined his potential for an Olympic berth with a strong showing against South African, Gingqi Ayanda.  

Botswana’s woes began on the first day when 60kg hopeful, Kabelo Bagwasi, lost on judges split decision against Uganda. 

The younger Bagwasi carried the nation’s hopes in this division after an impressive performance at the Zone VI tourney.  

Botswana’s hopes were blown further up in smoke when Tunisia’s Montassar El Bouali successfully negotiated a tough bout against African Youth Games winner, Mohamed Otukile. 

The bout attracted boo’s from the crowd who deemed judge’s decision to be grossly unfair against the marauding Otukile.

Lentswe Zwinila was also unlucky not to convince all the judges against Egyptian, Said Mohammed Sedik. 

The only two women boxers were edged out in the second round of the preliminaries. 

Koketso Dipogiso lost to Tunisia after an impressive 3-0 victory against Central Africa’s Judith Mbougnade. 

Keamogetse Kenosi was also stopped by a Tunisian opponent.

Botswana, has in the past, sent boxers to the Olympics amongst them Thato Batshegi, Lechedzani Master Luza, Khumiso Ikgopoleng and lately Oteng Oteng who was knocked off the preliminaries at the 2012 London Summer Olympics.

Meanwhile, Botswana Boxing Association would continue with its interclub tournament this weekend. 

Glen Valley Boxing club would host the fourth installment of these matches on Saturday with some mouthwatering clashes lined up. 

In the 69kg a fierce battle is expected between SSKB’s Keoagile Rantutu and hard hitting Prisons’  Mmusi Tswiige. 

Innocent Chombo of Maun will face a mammoth task against Eastern Military Garrison’s Oteng Phatshwe. ENDS