26 Jun 2017

The first army woman officer to play boxing, sent early signals to her opponents to expect a very stiff competition from her, as she won her first ever bout during the  interclub tournament on June 24 at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB).

Osadi Matong, who is based at Glen Valley, edged her opponent Orapeleng Ketshametsi of Kgalagadi North Boxing Club, 3-0 in a quite interesting bout of the day in the 60kg category, despite the fact that Matong was making her debut in the boxing ring, she taught the veteran boxer Ketshametsi basics of blocking left jab, cross left and right hook in the first round.

In the second round, Ketshametsi tried hard to retaliate but alas, Matong was told to move and attack, something which she clearly executed that day.

In the third round, Ketshametsi failed to capitalise on Matong who seemed to be tired but resorted to move and run around in the boxing ring until the game was over.

Matong said she was happy to win her first game ever, adding that she did not expect to perform better in her debut.

She however said, she still have to work harder, if she was to make a mark in the boxing ring, adding that as a first female soldier to play boxing she hopes that alone would motivate her colleagues to join the sport in large numbers.

Her coach, Modisa Dithebe said he was watching the bout closely and he was of the view that they had to prepare very hard and perfect her stance, as that could help her to outclass her opponent.

He said the boxer was very confident, and with time and proper training she would go places.

He however said they would go back to the drawing board and rectify their mistakes.

However, Ketshametsi said she did not prepare very well for the competition, adding that also it was also her first bout of the year and she was bound to make mistakes.

In other bouts, in the 56kg category UB boxer Atang Nkala beat Mogomotsi Sesupo of BMC 3-0, Camm Manewe won 3-0 against Olefile Chapo of DTCB still in the 56 kg, in the 75kg category Joel Kgogobi of BMC managed to win the bout with 3-1 against Moemedi Ramaphane of UB.

In the 60kg, DTCB boxer Nlisi Kgakgamatso won 3-0 against Gillian Ditswhene of Prisons, Johnson Kolube of Mafika beat Atanyana Moyo of SSKB 3-0, Ronald Motswakae of SSKB won 3-0 against Mompati Kabanjera, while referee had to stop the bout between Ezekiel Banankoko of Jwaneng and Moemedi Macheng and the latter was declared as the winner.

In the 64kg category DTC boxer Steven Bagwasi won his bout against Pitso Mmpemang of Tsholofelo with a “Referee Stops the Contest” (RSC),Moreki Baiketso of BMC  won 3-0 against Kabelo Sentsho of SSKB.

Still in the 64kg, Bakang Pelesane of Glen Valley beat Nthaba Nlanda of UB 3-0, Ontlafetse Phane of Francistown also won 3-0 Kebonyekgotla Lefaso of Thebephatshwa. ENDS