Local boxers face tough opposition

However, the boxing national team was recently called into camp to start preparation for the last few remaining Olympic qualifiers. The current team includes Rajab Otukile, George Molwantwa and Tshephang Kapinga who replace the late Tefo Maitewa in the men’s team. The ladies team sees Keamogetse Kenosi and Aratwa Kesemang. The team will be under the watchful eye of Luza who is expected to be assisted by Choga Ntoti and Oteng Oteng.

T h is we ek B oBA spokesperson, Taolo Tlouetsile said the team re cent ly conduc t ed their COVID - 19 tests. In a brief interview this week, Tlouetsile said the COVID- 19 pandemic has disrupted their plans at BoBA. Nevertheless, Tlouetsile said: “We believe that we have a chance to qualify for the Olympics like any other team.” Furthermore, Tlouetsile revealed that they have three important dates where they will attempt to box their way to the Olympics.

The first qualifiers will be in London, United Ki ngdom next ye ar February while the next date is expected to be March 2021 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The final opportunity for the team to qualify will be at the World Qualifier in

Paris, France. Meanwhile, some local boxing insiders said the national team boxers may not find it easy to qualify for the Olympics as the level of competition at international stages will go up exponentially. The last local boxer to compete at the Olympics was Oteng Oteng who is currently one of the coaches in • the national team. Botswana • did not have any boxing representation at the last Olympic Games staged in Rio, Brazil.