The Botswana Boxing Association (BOBA) has elected Michael Moroka as their new president.
He takes over from Aldrin Tayane who decided not to seek re-election to BOBA’s high office after five years at the helm. Moroka, a former BOBA Vice President ÔÇô Technical, brushed off a challenge from his former co-Vice President ÔÇô Administration, Tsietsi Shakes Kebualemang, to claim the boxing fraternity’s top post.
Moroka garnered 9 votes against 4 for Kebualemang in the elections held during BOBA’s Annual General Meeting at The Big 5 Lodge on Saturday. Speaking to Telegraph Sport after his election, the new boxing chief said he is ready to take the challenges of leading Botswana’s boxing fraternity. Moroka says one of the biggest challenges he and his committee are facing will be finding sponsors to help take boxing to new heights.
With only Botswana Breweries Limited (BBL) as their sponsor, Moroka alluded to the fact that they need at least one more sponsor for their interclub competitions.
He says another major challenge is to see to it that the country performs better in elite competitions. He says to fulfill this quest, they are aiming to get four medals at the coming Commonwealth Games to be held in India in October.
Moroka says they are aiming for at least one gold, one silver and 2 bronze medals at the games. He also says they have also set their sights on London 2012 Olympics where they are aiming for a semifinals berth. Even though optimistic, the new boxing chief says lack of funding restricts the progression of boxing.
According to Moroka, this has affected the sport as they cannot give their boxers much needed exposure in international games adding that athletes need to participate in elite championships if they are to perform much better.
Commenting on the team to compete at the commonwealth games in India, Moroka says preparations are on track to get them ready for the event.
As part of the preparations, the team is expected to face Zambia on June 26 before heading off to Tanzania in July.
For his part, the out-going BOBA president, Aldrin Tayane, told Telegraph Sport that he is not lost to the sport.
He says after five years at the helm, he decided not to seek re-election as he feels he has done enough for the sport and it was time for fresh people with new ideas to take boxing to greater heights. Tayane, who is said to have been the driving force behind BOBA’s strategic plan, says he will be available to help should he be called. He says one of the major challenges facing the new committee will be implementation of BOBA’s strategic plan, which is still lagging behind.
He is, however, optimistic that the new committee will do well as they are privy to happenings within the boxing fraternity. He echoed Moroka’s sentiments that lack of funds is restricting the potential growth of the sport and that the new committee will have to work hard to lure new sponsors to the sport.
Moroka will be assisted by Dirang Thipe and Lawrence Akanyang as Vice President ÔÇô Technical and Vice President ÔÇô Administration, respectively. Both were unopposed.
On other results, Willoughby Kemoen made a comeback after he was elected BOBA’s Publicity Secretary, beating off a challenge from the then publicity Secretary, Modibedi Modibedi. Etsogile Ngwako edged off Thingwane Mathata’s challenge to retain his Additional Member status.
