As Botswana returned to compete at the International Boxing Association (IBA) Africa Elite Men’s and Women’s Boxing Championships in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, after a four-year absence, the mission was simple.
‘To compete for medals and make a strong statement on the continental stage.’ ‘We are not going to Kinshasa simply to participate, we are going there to compete,’ BoBA Publicity Secretary Kabelo Seleka declared.
And four years since the country’s last participation at the IBA Africa elite championships, Botswana marked her return to the championships with three medals. Two bronze and one a potential gold or minimum silver.
The two bronze medals came courtesy of Treasure Moremi and Trecier Thipe, the latter being the country’s sole woman in the five boxers’ team. Both boxers bowed out in the semifinals, Moremi losing by a split decision, while Thipe had her bout stopped after she suffered a shoulder injury.
Moremi and Thipe’s departure left only Kobamelo Molatlhegi as Botswana’s gold medal hopeful. The boxer was the only one from Botswana to make the finals, where he was expected to face the hosts’ boxer Bofenda Mabala.
Elsewhere, Katlego Keorapetse was dumped out of the competition after losing by Score Card Evaluation to Namibia’s Phillip Mutakela, while debutant Bond Ngubula Jr failed to make it out of the preliminaries.
‘While the medal count is not yet comparable to the 2022 achievement, the significance of this campaign lies in returning to the continental stage, reaching the medal positions and having a boxer contesting for gold,’ Seleka says.
Though not entirely happy with the team performances, for BoBA, the championships gave them a yardstick of how much they have fallen behind in their four-year absentia. And the results turn-out would have been encouraging.
‘We appreciate the commitment, courage and determination demonstrated by every boxer who represented Botswana. We are particularly encouraged by the two medals secured and Kobamelo’s progress to the final.
However, as an association, we also recognise that there is room for improvement. We must be able to compete consistently across all weight categories and convert more of our participation into victories and medals.
We therefore regard this championship as an important step forward, while acknowledging the work that remains,’ the BoBA Publicity Secretary says.
While expectations were high for the local boxers, there was also an understanding that continental competition would be demanding, particularly after a four-year absence. Seleka however notes that ‘the performances in Kinshasa have demonstrated that Botswana has boxers capable of competing at this level.’
‘Botswana has the talent to do better. But talent alone is not enough. We need consistent investment in preparation and athlete development,’ Seleka observes.
The investment needed include ‘more international exposure through participation in continental and international competitions, regular high-performance training camps and quality sparring opportunities, improved athlete welfare, medical support and sports science services as well as development and strengthening of coaching and technical capabilities.’
‘BoBA is working towards strengthening its national development structures, supporting affiliated clubs, improving competition opportunities and engaging stakeholders and partners to mobilise resources for the sport.’
‘Our objective is to build a sustainable programme that produces competitive boxers capable of consistently challenging for continental and international honours.’
Seleka is hopeful that the Kinshasa championships marks the beginning of BoBA’s journey to return to its position among Botswana’s elite sporting codes.
‘Kinshasa is an important part of that journey. We believe Botswana boxing is showing encouraging signs of progress, but we must be careful not to measure the strength of the sport through one championship alone. The return to the African Elite Championships after four years, the two medals secured and Kobamelo’s qualification for the final are positive indicators.’
‘However, reclaiming a leading position in Botswana sport requires sustained results, investment, strong development structures and consistent international representation. Our ambition is not simply to return to where Botswana boxing once was, but to build a stronger and more sustainable programme that can compete at the highest level.’
‘We want to see Botswana regularly represented in continental finals, world championships, Commonwealth Games and Olympic competitions. The journey continues,’ the BoBA Publicity Secretary declares.