Botswana’s boxing team recently concluded its participation in the Commonwealth Games without securing any medals. This outcome has sparked discussion regarding the team’s preparation, particularly its limited engagement in international competitions leading up to the event.
A Legacy of Medals
Historically, boxing has been a strong medal-contending sport for Botswana at the Commonwealth Games. The nation’s boxing success dates back to 1994, with consistent podium finishes until 2010. While a medal drought occurred in 2014 and 2018, Lethabo Modukanele’s bronze in 2022 reignited hopes for a boxing resurgence.
Missed Opportunities for Exposure
In the lead-up to the recent Commonwealth Games, Botswana’s boxers did not participate in several key international events. Notably, they were absent from the 2026 International Boxing Association (IBA) Africa Zone IV Elite Men and Women championships in Namibia and the World Boxing Cup in Brazil.
At the time, the Botswana Boxing Association (BoBA) stated a focus on internal development through a league and youth programs. They aimed to prepare athletes for high-level competitions contributing to Olympic qualification, such as the Commonwealth Games. Instead of international tournaments, the team attended a week-long training camp in Zambia.
Commonwealth Games Performance Review
Lethabo Modukanele, a medal hopeful, exited the competition in her first match, losing to India’s Sakshi Chaudhary. Debutant Keatlaretse Gift Modise also faced an early exit, defeated by New Zealand’s Greer Hall. Treasurer Moremi showed promise, winning his first two bouts before a quarterfinal loss to India’s Sachin Siwach.
BoBA President Dirang Thipe acknowledged that inadequate preparation, specifically the lack of international competition, hindered the boxers’ performance. He stated that sending boxers to a training camp without sufficient international exposure was a mistake, attributing this to unforeseen circumstances.
Thipe also noted that Modukanele’s status as a previous medalist made her a clear target, and insufficient preparation left her vulnerable. For Modise, her participation marked her first fight in a new weight category (54kg, down from 60kg), indicating a period of adjustment during the games.
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