BoBA introduces International championship

The Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) is set to introduce a new high profile tournament in its calendar as soon as next year. 

The tournament, dubbed Botswana Open Championship, is expected to attract local and   international boxing clubs. However, BoBA is still consulting with affiliates on the matter. The idea to   host a third high profile championship was brought as a motion by Tsholofelo Boxing club at the recent BoBA Ordinary General Meeting in Gaborone.

The motion was endorsed by BoBA affiliates. However, BoBA Vice president Orapeleng Mosalakgotla said consultation on the matter is   ongoing. In an interview this week, Mosalakgotla said the open tournament will target boxing clubs   in neighbouring countries like South Africa. Mosalakgotla explained that the tournament will only receive clubs instead of national team.

Moreover, Mosalakgotla said the tournament would attract more international clubs if they offer rewards to cover travel expenses of visiting countries. “We continue to struggle with sponsorship. The world has since changed and it has become difficult to travel to other countries,” he said.

In addition, Mosalakgotla said they have been   struggling with sponsorship in recent years. “This   is why we have not been hosting Best of the best    tournament for the past two years.

“The Best of the best tournament has always had   difficulties finding sponsorship. In the past, we went ahead with the tournament from BoBA’ own coffers.”
According to Mosalakgotla, the funds previously used for Best of the best tournaments have now been redirected to the national championship because of sponsorship drought. The Botswana Open championship is expected to take place mid-year around June or July.  Boxers will be expected   to qualify for the tournament by a minimum of four bouts.