Bagwasi hopes to fight again

Local middleweight boxer Kagiso Bagwasi is currently making plans to return to the ring following a near fatal knife attack last year. In an interview with Sun Sports this week, Bagwasi said he has not yet fully recovered as he has another surgery scheduled for this year in his right bicep. The promising athlete is pleading with Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) and Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) to support him in his recovery and return to the ring.

Bagwasi was attacked by unknown assailants shortly after national team training in Gaborone last year. The former national team hero was left with a mortal stab wound in his right bicep when the assailants attacked him and stole his cell phone. “I remember speaking to the police for a few minutes, suddenly everything went black and the next time I opened my eyes I was in a hospital bed,” Bagwasi said following the nightmare attack. Nevertheless the athlete told Sun Sports that his arm is still giving him trouble because he is unable to fully extend it.

Bagwasi had hoped to return to action late last year but this has not been the case. The boxer still needs to undergo surgery on his bicep, which means he will probably miss out on his boxing career this year too.“BoBA had also assured that it will have my back until I recover. If only they can assist me as I undergo surgeries, which will help in fixing my arm. I would be thankful, I love boxing and I cannot afford to see my dreams go up in smoke just like that,” he said.

“His injury was life threatening it was a miracle for him to survive, he has to see a specialist soon to determine the next step,” said his coach Thebe Setlalekgosi of Diamond Trading Company Botswana (DTCB) Club this week. He defined Bagwasi as a special athlete who can never be replaced adding that his absence is heavily felt at the club. Setlalekgosi said he had high hopes that Bagwasi would bring home a medal at the upcoming 2018 Commonwealth games. Bagwasi is currently doing minor training and is avoiding using the injured arm for now.