BoBA ends year on a high

Teichler Rankoa | Wednesday December 4, 2013 15:25

 

 

Speaking to Mmegi Sport yesterday, Thipe said though their target was to have 12 clubs in the tournament, the nine that took part was still a good number considering that the three that did not come failed because of school commitments.

The clubs that took part were 1-2-5, Thebephatshwa Airbase, Francistown, Sir Seretse Khama Barracks, Glen Valley, EMG, KNBC, Maun and Prisons. A total of 29 bouts in both men and women category were staged. Thipe said University of Botswana (UB), Tsholofelo and Diamond Trading Company of Botswana boxing clubs could not participate because their boxers did not have enough time to train and prepare for the tournament as they were busy with examinations. “We had a total of 29 bouts on Saturday and Sunday, because the nine clubs that attended also brought a reasonable number of participants. It is the most successful competition by far in terms of participation,” he said. He is happy the tournament did not have hitches and the boxers behaved well in and out of the ring. “They showed a lot of maturity, something that they should be applauded for because that is what is needed from a true boxer,” Thipe said.

He said the women turnout by female boxers was impressive and their performance was very good. “I was really impressed with the tactical awareness that these women have shown,” he stated. Thipe said he was impressed by the physical fitness of the boxers, although he believes that they must work hard on their tactical approach.

He said most of the bouts were very competitive, but the best was between Katlego Olaotse and Erica Setso in the women 69kg category. The two boxers exchanged powerful blows while the punch-up between Lentswe Zwinla and Rodgers Sianga did not disappoint.

In the finals of the women’s competition, Joyce Katlholo beat Cynthia Thantsha to win the 48kg category; Koketso Dipogiso overcame Lesego Elija in the 51kg, Emily Tshoswane beat Tlotlo Tamora in the 54kg while Orapeleng Ketshametsi got the better of Irene Modikwa in the 57kg. In the 60kg Kenosi Keamogetse beat Tshepang Moilwa, Katlego Olatotse was the winner against Erica Setso in 69kg while Bonolo Motseothata overcame Poloko Maapatsane in the 75kg.

In the finals of the men competition, Junior Moeti beat Otukile Mohamed in the 49kg; Olaotse Rannone beat Onkarabile Mothibe in 52kg; Tirafalo Seoko beat Basha Motlhane in 56kg;  Motlatsi Mokobeng beat Bokamoso Molaodi in 60kg; Ookeditse Bobeilwe beat Gaefenngwe Bathobasele in 64kg; Lentswe Zwinila beat Rodgers Sianga in 69kg; Robby Botshelo beat Kenneth Kootswele in 75kg while Oteng Phatshwe won against Chriswell Jongwe in the 81kg.

The best female boxer was Katlego Olaotse (69kg) of 1-2-5 Boxing Club, while best male boxer was Lentswe Zwinila of Glen Valley. Best bout in the women was between Olaotse and Setso clash while the best in male competition was between Zwinila and Sianga.