IN BOXING NATIONAL TEAM,YOU DONT FILL GAPS:LUZA
BY:Kabelo Seleka
GABORONE:National boxing team mentor Lechezhani “Master” Luza said the national team selection should not be about filling gaps but rather built on the basis of quality.
Botswana will be hosting Zone IV Boxing Championship from April 23rd to April 28th in Gaborone at Ledumang Senior School hall where elite boxing countries such as South Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe, Seychelles, Lesotho Mozambique among others are expected to honor the competition.
Botswana Boxing national team is made up of elite men and women in only 8 divisions leaving four in men and 8 divisions in the women category. Of interest, Atang Moseke of Prisons boxing and 2018 national champion has missed the call up not once but multiple times.
An on the deep background source close to the 75 kg heavy puncher Mosenke, said the champion is underrated by the local coaches and selection team.
Another source close to the craft-man said the fella who has not lost a single bout this year is the best in the country yet the national team selectors overlook his craft.
Mosenke is said to have boycotted the Tuesday evening sparring with the national team. Nonetheless a call to Mosenke’s club official is said to have been made to invite him to the upcoming Lesotho international friendly.
When speaking to this publication, Luza who is in camp with a pool of boxers preparing for the much anticipated zone 4 championship said they could have selected everyone for a national duty but chosen not to. Luza believes that he has creme dela cream in camp to represent the country.
“Everyone who is here(on camp) deserves to be here,national team you do not fill gaps,you look for quality and also there is an issue of resources,we have limited funds,boxing has about 10 categories,we cant take all categories,you have to look at categories that can win you medals beyond zone 4 and up to Africa,even when he(Mosenke) is a national champion we say maybe he is not ready to compete outside.”Alluded Luza.
On the issue of preparations for the much anticipated Zone IV championship, Luza said he is happy with the progress of the team. Luza who is still to choose between Kabo Seitshiro and Pitso Mmopiemang in the 64 kg division said it is significant to bring all the best boxers on board to watch them closely and pick the best as they are all at the same par. He also noted that they continuously sparred with local clubs to ready the team.
“We have invited different clubs to have regular sparring,all the boxers who are number two may also get a chance to be selected.Stated Luza
For his part,Botswana Boxing Association‘s(BOBA) Public Relations Officer Taolo Tlouetsile said the hosting preparations are on alert as everything is going according to plan.Tlouetsile said the officials,referees,judges,athletes,hospitality and the media are up to date.
Captain Mmusi Tswiige led national team is expected to take part in an international friendly against Lesotho Boxing at this Saturday`s Glen Valley inter-club in Gaborone.
THE SQUAD
Men
49kg Kobamelo Molatlhegi (EMG)
52 kg Rajab Otukile Mahommed (Mafika)
56kg George Molwantwa (BMC)
56kg Tefo Maitewa(Molepolole)
60kg Treasure Moremi (DTCB)
64kg Pitso Mmopiemang (UB)
64kg Kabo Seitshiro (EMG)
69kg Mmusi Tswiige(C) (Prisons)
Women
51kg Lethabo Modukanele (UB)
60kg Aratwa Kasemang (UB)
60kg Keamogetse Kenosi (DTCB)
Team Manager
Phetogo Tsheko(BOBA Competitions Coordinator)
Coaches
Lechezhani “Master” Luza
Ntoti Chonga
Kgomotso Gabaikangwe
NOTE:Coaches to make final decision on selecting boxers in divisions which have more than one boxer for the final zone 4 squad.
