07 Jul 2019

Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) affiliates have urged the national executive committee to resolve issues over Mogoditshane Secondary School’s centre of excellence by the end of the year.

Speaking at the association’s annual general meeting in Molepolole on July 6, some affiliates said there was confusion over ownership of boxers at the school between Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) and clubs.

They argued that it would be unfortunate if they could belong to the BNSC, as it would deny the boxers the opportunity to participate in BoBA activities such as inter-club tournaments.

While BNSC claimed ownership because they catered for the boxers’ welfare, affiliates were of the view that they should own them because they were enrolled in the programme through club affiliation.

However, BoBA president, Thato Patlakwe promised to continue engaging the BNSC and the Ministry of Basic Education to find a lasting solution.

Other than club-BNSC conflict, the future of the programme seems to face hiccups after teachers resolved not to participate in extra-mural activities until the education ministry addressed payment of overtime.

Patlakwe said the association appreciated BoBA members who had agreed to coach boxers on voluntary basis.

On other developments, Patlakwe told affiliates that preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games were underway.

He said the association had received P1.1 million towards Tokyo 2020, adding that the association would work hard to help boxers qualify.

He said their aim was not just to qualify, but to earn a podium finish. He said they would proceed for camp in France in their efforts to reach international standards.

From France, the team would participate in the All Africa Games billed for Morocco next month.

Meanwhile, qualifications for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games would start next year and would run between January and April, with the African Championships billed for February and later, the team would participate in the World Championships.

So far, Botswana has participated in numerous tournaments, including hosting the Zone IV Championships. The  boxers won six gold, one silver and two bronze medals.

The association also held an international friendly against Zambia and although local boxers fared badly, Patlakwe said that was a much needed international exposure as it gauged their performance.

While the team has left for Thailand with the coach, BoBA affiliates requested that the sports development officer should join them because his presence was crucial as the code’s technical director. ENDS