​MOSENKE BLOWS HIS CHANCE FOR A NATIONAL DUTY

BY:Kabelo Seleka

GABORONE:When one think of FIFA world cup, the name Zebras should definitely be distanced millions of kilometers away from the biggest global footballing event.  

Atang Mosenke’ s 75 kg loss to Lesotho’s Arena Pakelo is said to have totally slimmed his chances of featuring in the final squad for the upcoming Zone IV Boxing Championship to be held in Gaborone  from the 23rd of April.

Mosenke, who is not in the Tokyo 2020 provisional squad under the tutelage of national team mentor Lechezhazi “Master” Luza has raised eyebrows since the 75kg is considered the best in the county in his division.  

Mosenke’s team Prisons Boxing has been disgruntled by the absence of their star boxer in the national team terming the below the belt move “jealousy”.

Nonetheless after an invitation by the national team for the International friendly against Lesotho on Saturday, Mosenke  dismally lost to his Lesotho opponent, being the only Botswana boxer who lost on the cards. The technically aware middleweight contender dominated the first round with light combination of punches and continuously challenged his opponent though throwing minimum bolo punches.

The desperate craft man was caught with a heavy punch on the second round of the fight which forced him to kiss the canvas. The Lesotho born then ignited to throw economic punches towards the local boy after his confidence downed with his fall on the ring. A knockdown probably never came back from. Pakelo won the bout with a split decision.

Prisons’ team Manager Tanaka Rauwe argued that his  boxer lost due to no proper training program for his weight as they only worked on the technic.

Rauwe also lamented that the absence of Mmusi Tswiige in the club due to national duty contributed to Mosenke’s ill performance as he is his sparring partner. Rauwe who apparently is the Chairperson of coaches commission which recommends boxers for national team selection is optimistic and hopeful for Mosenke to be in the Zone IV Boxing Championship squad.

A source close to Mosenke’s camp elaborated that Luza’s cornering of Mosenke amid allegations of friction between the two may have intimidated Mosenke. The source further reasoned that Mosenke started well until he realized that Luza is part of his corner.

Nonetheless, Luza who was happy with the overall performance of the team mentioned that he has no differences with Moseke as he worked with him for four years at Botswana Junior team .The technic master further elaborated that he had never at some point shown interest in Mosenke at club level.   He noted that his relationship with the 75 kg champion is like of any other boxer. The Botswana’s number 1 boxing coach further uttered that Mosenke should not be evaluated much as he has not been training with him.   Luza however appreciated the technic of Mosenke on the day. Luza said the loss is a  loss any  boxer can incur as Mosenke did one huge mistake.

“We cannot evaluate him much because he has not been in camp with us, he has been with his club, bakatswa ba itse gore preparation ya bone nne entse jang, gongwe his preparations was not up to scratch, so I think it will be harsh if we judge him too much, he gave a good account of himself, he just made a mistake wa gonna careless and then that boxer abo a motshwara, gape Atang ke boxer yabo 73 he is not a boxer who is dropping atswa kogobo 78 or 77 that is why his power does not hurt his opponent…”Alluded Luza.

Luza vocalized that Mosenke should not be a big deal as there are other divisions not filled. Moreover he is not the one responsible for selecting boxers for national duty.   Luza said he cornered Mosenke to observe him as a national team coach. He also pronounced that Mosenke took instructions from him during the much anticipated bout.

On the Lesotho national team, Luza stated that Lesotho was not a good match because of their fitness. He added that it may be good for them as this friendly will come in handy to correct their mistake heading into zone 4 championship. For his part, Lesotho national boxing team representative observed that Botswana is too hot.   He also argued that his 56kg 2016 Olympian boxer Moroke Mokhotho did not lose the bout. He claimed he was robbed as he clearly won the fight. He however accepted their fate and affirmed that they will come back as a much different team as he eyes all gold medals from his boxers.

The Zone IV championship launch is apparently slated for next week sometime on Wednesday or Thursday. The international friendly also housed  the 5th interclub of the year by Botswana Boxing Association(BOBA).

RESULTS
49 kg
Kobamelo Molatlhegi (Bot) 3 v Tsholofelo Mokhesi (Les)
52 Kg
 Otukile Mahommed (Bot) (RSC-i) vs Thabo Molefe (Les)
56Kg
George Molwantwa (Bot) 2 – 1 Moroke Mokhotho (Les)
Tefo Maitewa(Bot) 3-0 Bakang Mese (Bot)
60kg
Treasure Moremi (Bot) 3-0 Mathealira Seholoho (Les)
64kg
Kabo Seitshiro 2-1 Qhobosheane Mohlerepe (Les)
Pitso Mmopiemang (Bot) 3-0 Tsie Mohau (Les) 
69kg
Mmusi Tswiige(Bot) 3-0 Moshoeshoe Mokhachane (Les)
75kg 
Atang Mosenke (Bot) 1-2 Arena Pakela (Les)
Ladies
49kg
Fusi Seholoho (Les) 0-3 Lethabo Modukanele(Bot)
60kg
Mapoleng Letsie (Les) (RSC-i) vs Keamogetse Kenosi(Bot)
Mantsoa Ranone (Les) (rt) vs Aratwa Kasemang (Bot)