Sport

EMG�s Chikanda Scoops Top Boxing Award

A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Zibani Chikanda was adjudged the best PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE
 
A CUT ABOVE THE REST: Zibani Chikanda was adjudged the best PIC: KENNEDY RAMOKONE

Chikanda beat his rivals, Lentswe Zwinila of Glen Valley club and Kabelo Bagwasi of Diamond Trading Centre Botswana (DTCB) club to the award.

The best female boxer of the year award went to Keamogetse Kenosi of DTCB.

Gorata Mbwe of Gantsi was voted the promising female boxer of the year while Bakang Rakhudu of DTCB took home promising male boxer of the year award.

Buwendo Sands Mpigi of Prisons is the coach of the year award winner. The club had a good year, dominating the national championships. 

With that, the club scooped affiliate of the year award. BoBA also appreciated the efforts of boxing officials with the best judge award going to Victor Mhlanga.

University of Botswana club coach, France Mabiletsa walked home with administrator of the year award. The best referee award went to Thatayaone Mothibedi.

The prize monies were not disclosed on the night.

Meanwhile, Chikanda who has been national champion on eight consecutive times told Monitor Sport that the award was a motivation going forward.

“It is an indication that there is something special that I am doing. Most people wrote me off when I lost to Mmusi Tswiigi during the BoBA independence tournament, little did they know that the loss was only making me stronger,” he said.

Chikanda said the plan is to continue working hard as he prepares for next year and the expectation is to continue challenging for the award.

Prisons coach, Mpigi could not hide his excitement as he said the award meant he was stronger than other coaches. 

He said his hard work is reflected by the performance of his athletes. He said the boxing fraternity should brace themselves for a different Prisons next year.

“I have young boxers who did not qualify for the national championships this year, I am going to start with them at the BISA competition. We would be talking a different story by the end of the year,” said Mpigi.