National boxers ready for African tourney
The national boxing team is expected to leave for Maputo, Mozambique next week Thursday to compete in the African Boxing Confederation tournament.
Following a lacklustre performance that saw only one bronze medal from the recent Birmingham, Commonwealth Games this past August, the national team is expected to be on a rampant hunt for podium finishes against some of the best pugilists in the continent. Under national team coach, Thebe Setlalekgosi, Botswana will be represented by six men, including Kobamelo Molatlhegi, Rajab Mahommed, George Molwantwa, Treasure Moremi, Solomon Lere, and Mmusi Tswiige.
The women will be represented by team captain and Commonwealth Bronze medallist, Lethabo Modukanele.
Modukanele is joined by Phekie Bele, Keamogetse Kenosi and Aratwa Kesemang. In a brief interview earlier this week, Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) Secretary General, Taolo Tlouetsile said the tournament is open to all African countries and local boxers will benefit from the high-level competitions as the look towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
The Paris 24 qualifiers are scheduled for next year and we have to find a way of keeping the team fit and focused.
Meanwhile, two of the national team members recently made their professional boxing debut being, Aratwa Kesemang and Mmusi. Kesemang recently made her pro debut at an ESPN Africa fight card in South African while veteran welterweight Tswiige made his debut at a Scud Missile promotion event this past weekend.
“There is no law restricting boxers from participating as both a pro and in Olympic style boxing. As you know Aratwa competed at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.”