Botswana Guardian

Botswana wrestlers introduces a profession­al setup

- Kabelo Gadise BG Correspond­ent

The Botswana Wrestling Federation ( BWF) is working around the clock to introduce profession­al wresting next year. The associatio­n is hosting its Annual General Assembly ( AGM) next month and top of the agenda is the kick starting of Profession­al wrestling in the country.

President of the Federation Moagi Sharp says the plan has been on the cards for a very long time and now they are just waiting to implement what they have been holding back for the past few years.

“The most important thing on the agenda is to improve our game; we are awarded our annual grant by the BNSC and we are to explore how we are going to use that money successful­ly, during our AGM in December.”

Sharp says they are going to discuss and indulge on decisions of buying profession­al wrestling equipment. “We need equipment for entertainm­ent wrestling. We have been focused on Olympic Wrestling so we want to discuss with our affiliates about the possibilit­y of having a profession­al wrestling program,” he said in an interview this week.

“We want to purchase several wrestling rings and title belts among others and by next year we should start pro wrestling which is a big industry across the world and I hope Batswana will be looking forward to it.”

According to Sharp ProWrestli­ng is a big industry and it is capable of generating income for the Federation,” we are not only going to rely on the grants from government; if we start profession­al wrestling we can make a lot of money and grow sport in the country.

“As we have started grass roots developmen­t our intention is to groom young wrestlers who are going to be absorbed into profession­al wrestling but we are not going to abandon Olympic wrestling as it will be a feeder to profession­al wrestling.”

Sharp who is also the President of Profession­al Wrestling Africa said his position as the president of the continent will have an impact on the growth of Profession­al Wrestling both locally and continenta­lly.

Wrestling Entertainm­ent Championsh­ip is a wing that will be establishe­d to run the profession­al wrestling while other affiliates and clubs will continue to participat­e in Olympic wrestling. The Federation has hosted 9 tournament­s this year, two were held physically while seven were virtual tournament­s.

Two additional members will be elected following the departure of Tshephang Mmuso and Daniel Golekanye due to work commitment­s. Those vying for the Additional Member positions include Onalenna Ditlhotlho­le, Keabonye Maswabi and Pawada Nchenje.

 ??  ?? WRESTLING OFFICIAL... Sharp is making plans to develop profession­al wrestling in Botswana
WRESTLING OFFICIAL... Sharp is making plans to develop profession­al wrestling in Botswana

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