Mogomotsi Moloi
18 April 2008
Gaborone — University of Botswana (UB) Boxing Club has vowed to retain the Inter Club title this weekend at Glen Valley in Gaborone.
UB coach Master Luza said that though they expect a tough challenge from other clubs, they are not deterred. "Definitely we would continue with our winning streak," promised the former Olympic boxer. He pointed out that most of his experienced boxers, who are students, would be held up by examinations. But he said he has a big team to represent the club tomorrow.
He said that during tournaments, he monitors individual boxers' progress and hopefully they have improved. With its youthful pugilists, UB has always given other clubs a torrid time. Luza, who would field 10 boxers on average, expressed satisfaction that his charges' technical progress has been superb. "Opponents may beat us but our technical awareness has improved," he asserted. He pins his hope on upcoming boxers like Oteng Oteng, Kago Gaborekwe, the Keone Mooka Mageu defending champion, silver medallists Batsho Maripe and Tshepiso Jackson. Luza is not worried that his enterprising fighter Thapelo Zuze will not pitch up due to injury. However, Luza acknowledged that the competition will be stiff considering that all national team boxers will be competing after the Olympic qualifiers. He indicated that usually, tournaments hosted in Gaborone attract a good turnout and they are eager to perform to expectations.
Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) publicity secretary, Willough Kemoen predicted closely contested bouts. He said they expect about 14 clubs to participate in the competition which is part of the qualifiers for the national boxing championships in six months' time. For a boxer to make it to the national championships, he has to fight in more than seven local bouts, said Kemoen. He pointed out that after the Olympic qualifiers, they will now focus on local events. "Clubs have recruited young enterprising boxers this year and the game has gained momentum," he added.
Tomorrow's tournament will be the first preparatory event for Thato 'Hands of Stone' Batshegi and Khumiso Ikgopoleng who have qualified for the Olympics in August. Kemoen called on boxing enthusiasts to come and support the pugilists. He said without the public support, the sport would never progress.
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