MAITEWA DIES AGED 22
BY: Kabelo Seleka
Botswana boxing national team rising star Tefo Maitewa has died aged 22.
Maitewa met his untimely death on Friday 16 October 2020 from the hospital.
The Molepolole Boxing Club star had been receiving treatment in Princess Marina Hospital since June this year.
He was transferred from Princess Marina(ICU) to Scottish Livingstone just three days ago prior to his departure in this life.
TALKING POINTS
- Maitewa diagnosed with a brain tumor
- He was hospitalized for over three months
- He had a promising boxing career
- He is 2019 BOBA Boxer of the year
- Funeral arrangements are ongoing
BRAIN TUMUR CLAIMED MAITEWA`S LIFE
The bantamweight national champion Maitewa had allegedly sustained head injuries from training camps in Europe in the build-up to the Africa Olympic Qualification tournament held in Senegal.
Upon arrival back in Botswana, Maitewa was medically diagnosed with a Brain Tumor, leading to the biggest bout of his life in the Intensive Care Unit(ICU) since June.
Botswana Boxing Association(BOBA) Public Relations Officer(PRO), Taolo Tlouetsile, confirmed the death of the star to SPORTSNATION through an official communique.
He said that the talented southpaw had a promising career.
Meanwhile, a club official close to the athlete narrated how properly Maitewa went through proper boxing development structures.
MAITEWA WAS A TALENTED SOUTHPAW
Moreover, the 56 KG National Champion Maitewa was praised for his hardworking, talent, commitment, and dedication to the sport of boxing.
His teammate and best friend, Festus Madiehe, expressed his “utmost sadness”, calling Maitewa “inspirational”.
“Tefo(Maitewa)was my mate from day one friend and to be honest not just a friend but a brother too, He was really a big dream and had ambition, He was my motivator every time before getting into the ring he will always give a piece of advice so our aim is to be The Best Ever (TBE) and i will fulfill the promise and I will do this for him, commented Festus Madiehe.”
Maitewa is celebrated for being the best boxer of the year at the 2019 BOBA national championship finals after upsetting his toughest competitor George Molwantwa in the blockbuster tourney.
He participated at the 2016 African Union Sport Council (AUSC) Region 5 in Angola and was a valuable team player of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, until his last big showdown at Africa Olympic Qualifiers for Tokyo 2021 Olympics.
HE MIGHT BE LAID TO REST ON OCTOBER 24
Quizzed on whether the Association will host a memorial service for the “national hero”, Tlouetsile pointed out that they are working with the Ministry of Sports and Botswana National Sports Commission(BNSC) towards funeral arrangements of the bereaved talented boxer.
The Molepolole born pugilist is expected to be laid to rest this coming weekend on October 24 in his home village.
