Moorosi Tsiane

Boxing coach Sibusiso Keketsi is happy with the month-long Cuba training camp provided for Moroke Mokhotho and Inkululeko Suntele.

Keketsi says the intensive preparations were what the two boxers needed to prepare for next month’s Olympic Games.

The quadrennial games are scheduled for 5-21 August in the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro.

Keketsi told the Sunday Express from Cuba that the fighters had since settled well in their new environment and were training hard for the global showcase.

“We only arrived here last Sunday so the boys have been adapting to the environment because it is too hot and humid in Cuba.

“But that is not preventing us from doing what we are here for. We are hard in training because time is no longer on our side as we are about a month away from the Olympics,” Keketsi said.

“This camp is very important for our boxers because they will be using world-class facilities  and also training with Egyptian boxers who are also camping here as they prepare for the same Olympics. Training with top boxers will help them gain the much-needed experience and international exposure.”

Keketsi said the plan was to go to Cuba early and spend more time on the island but things did not go according to plan. He however, said he believed the boxers would rise to the occasion and flight Lesotho’s flag high in Brazil.

“Like I have side, time is limited now. We wanted to come here earlier but this was not possible. But now we need to make use of what we have and concentrate on what is important, which is making sure the boxers are in shape for the Games. I have two of the best boxers in our country here with me and their track-record speaks for itself, which is why I am confident that they will do well in Brazil. We will be going there to compete, and not just to add to the numbers.”

Keketsi further said he was hoping the boxers would take part in some competitions in Cuba before leaving for Brazil.