25 Sep 2016

The Namibian national team on Saturday failed to honour their Independence Cup tournament challenge against Botswana owing to administrative logistics at the eleventh hour.

Speaking on the sidelines of a local friendly tournament at the Gaborone City Council civic centre, Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) publicity secretary, Kenny Maragana said despite being let down by the neighbouring country’s last minute announcement of a no-show, Botswana boxers were in perfect shape and on track to compete and overhaul medals at the next boxing engagements regionally and internationally.

Maragana explained that the two countries have enjoyed a healthy working relationship during independence tournaments in the past. The tournament was to come in handy for local pugilists as Namibia is one of the boxing powerhouses in the region having recently sent two boxers to the Rio Olympic Games.

The Botswana youth team is gearing up for the Africa Union Sport Council Region 5 (AUSRC 5) games penciled for Angola in December while the senior boys are being honed for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

In a locally organised tournament during the day, the toast of the afternoon was undoubtedly a mouthwatering clash between Kabo Seitshiro and Boifang Kenaope in the 54kg division.

The crowd felt the youngster Kenaope was robbed as Seitshiro emerged victorious after a split decision. Deep in the second round the referee invoked the standing eight count to determine whether Seitshiro was fit to continue with the fight after being pelted by several uppercuts.

However, Kenaope fought to a bitter end as the judges handed Seitshiro a controversial victory.

In another exciting bout Botswana National Sport Council sportsman of the year, Zibani Chikanda faced tough opposition from Prisons boxing club’s Mmusi Tswiige in the 75kg.

The tactical and hard punching Tswiige who has been enjoying his game in the 69kg emerged victorious after referee stopped contest due to an eye injury on Chikanda.

In other bouts Moabi Ngaka beat Kitso Molebo 3-0, Kgakgamatso Nlisi won after a technical knockout against Tumelo Ramorathudi, another TKO was against Eto Dibeso who succumbed to Kefentse Molalapata’s while Mahommed Otukile beat Tefo Kesaotshepha of UB. ENDS