The Free State Boxing Organisation (FSBO), which caters for non-professional boxing, has selected a competitive team to represent the province at this year’s national championship.
The team will participate in the national championship scheduled to take place in Durban from 2 to 7 July.
The provincial team was selected and finalised during May, based on merited performances after the boxers participated in a series of tournaments staged in the province. Those selected are from the various boxing stables across the Free State.
The Bloemfontein-based Devil’s Boxing Club has four boxes included in the team of representatives in the national tournament in Durban. They are Sebina Lekhelebane (female), Khumo Ditshidi, Oboitshepo Finger and Obakeng Molelekoa.
Boxers of the Skhokho Boxing Club are: Thabo Tsholo, Toka Tsholo, Thato Tlali, Bokang Nkopane, Keamohetswe Mokaloba, Lehlonolo Makae, Katleho Shea, Lerato Ramokhoase, Savva Kambanis, Daniel Neethling, and Botle Thabatha (female).
The chosen boxers continue to sharpen themselves for the big showdown, hoping to claim more medals to improve on last year’s haul. They were in action on Saturday, 15 June, participating in a preparatory tournament staged in Welkom.
- The Free State team did not feature in the 2022 fixtures, after pulling out on the eve of the championship.
The provincial leadership cited severe budget constraints as the chief reason for the decision for cancellation to participate in this national competition that caters for cadets, junior, youth, and elite boxers.
However, last year the team featured in the national tournament which was held in Tzaneen, Limpopo, during July. The provincial team managed to bag two bronze medals.
Lehlohonolo Motsi of the Devil’s Boxing stable in Bloemfontein finished on the podium, collecting bronze medal. He surprised his tough, far more experienced opponents with his tenacity and talent. Amongst these opponents was Sinclair Ness, who fought in the flyweight (50 kg) category. Motsi lost narrowly on points to Ness, the title holder from Gauteng.
However, Motsi will not be part of the provincial team. The gutsy boxer is now in Gr. 12 and has prioritised preparing for his final matric exam, which will start in October this year.
