Oteng retains top boxing diadem

THATO KALA
Correspondent | Monday May 27, 2013 00:00

 

The University of Botswana (UB) boxer was not the only pugilist who carved his name in the history books at the weekend, as Pearl Tsitsi Morake became the first woman to win a boxing award. BoBA introduced a category for female boxers at this year's awards.

But, once again, it was OT whose fine run in both local and international competitions saw him retain the coveted boxer of the year award, ahead of Tirafalo Seoko of BMC and Mooketsi Lekgetho of UB. Oteng was given P10,000 for winning the award. His recent achievements include winning gold at the Africa Olympic qualifying tournament,gold at the Golden Glove Tournament held in Belgrade, Serbia and bronze in Havana, Cuba.

He represented the country at the London 2012 Olympics, but did not make it beyond the first round. Speaking on the sidelines of the awards ceremony, Oteng attributed his success to hard work and commitment. 'I am greatly honoured to win this award for the third time. I believe it is testimony of my consistent commitment and passion for boxing. The award is also a result of my hard work,' he told Sport Monitor. He singled out his participation at the Olympics as the highlight of his career in 2012. He said his biggest dream has been to qualify for the event. Meanwhile Morake was given P2,000 for being the top female boxer.

The Botho College boxer won gold at the national championships and four interclub bouts. She won the award on Saturday ahead of SSKB's Tshepang Moilwa and Keneilwe Rakhudu. 'It was about time - I feel I deserve this. It's such an honour to be the first woman to win this award,' said an elated Morake.

The most promising female boxer award went to Koketso Dipugiso of KNBC who pocketed P1,400. BoBA rewarded female judge, Gaolatlhe Rampape, naming her the best in her category ahead of Monkgogi Rabasimane and Kabo Gaberone. Overall, DTCB Boxing Club dominated the awards. The club won affiliate of the year award and produced the most promising boxer and coach of the year.

Upcoming sharp puncher, Kabelo Bagwasi was recognised as the country's brightest boxing prospect. His mentor,Thebe Setlalekgosi was named coach of the year and attributed his club's success to a well laid out four-year plan. 'We had a four year programme that we rolled out and we were fortunate it matured early. Winning affiliate of the year shows that even though we are an amateur club, we are running the club with some level of professionalism.The development award is also what we had hoped for. And for me as a coach, my award was just an icing on the cake,' he said.

For being the best affiliate, DTCB got P5, 000, while Bagwasi and Setlalekgosi pocketed P3, 000 and P4, 500 respectively. Thatayotlhe Mothibedi retained the referee of the year award after staving off a challenge from Etsogile Ngwako and Gaseitswe Ponatshego.

BoBA president, Michael Moroka gave the special award to 1990 Commonwealth bronze winner, France Mabiletsa and veteran administrator Shakes Kebualemang. Cabinet minister and BoBA patron, Nonofo Molefhi hailed the sponsors, Debswana and the association for their commitment towards the development of female boxers. 'It is a milestone that women have become, not just cheerleaders, but participants in the sport of boxing,' he said.Debswana group manager for mining, Lenayang Dimbunge pledged his company's continued support for sport.