The Botswana Wrestling Federation (BWF) is gearing up to send a team of 10 athletes to the prestigious Intuthuko Wrestling Championship, despite financial hurdles. In an exclusive interview, BWF President Moagi Sharp discussed the federation’s plans, challenges, and ambitions for the sport in Botswana.
Sharp revealed that due to funding constraints, the federation could not secure participation in the upcoming Under-23 World Wrestling Championships in Albania. Instead, the focus has shifted to the Intuthuko Wrestling Championship in Pretoria this December. “We are preparing our players for beach wrestling in Pretoria, and we have high hopes of bringing medals home,” Sharp stated confidently.
While the federation’s budget from the Botswana National Sports Commission (BNSC) remains limited, the Commonwealth Wrestling Committee has provided supplementary support. However, this year, BWF could only manage to send Sharp himself for benchmarking purposes, rather than the full team they had intended.
“We are planning to send 10 players,6 males and 4 females, to compete in the upcoming games,” Sharp noted. He expressed optimism, particularly with the growth of beach wrestling, but pointed out that athletic wrestling still struggles to gain the same following.
The Intuthuko Wrestling Championship, scheduled for December 7-8, 2024, will feature a wide array of categories, including Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. Nine African nations, including powerhouses like Egypt and Morocco.
The Intuthuko Wrestling Championship, also known as Intuthuko (REDT), has become one of the most prominent wrestling events in Southern Africa. It was established to develop wrestling talent in the region, offering athletes an opportunity to compete at a high level. With increasing international recognition, the event now draws participants from across Africa, providing a platform for young wrestlers to gain vital experience.
Sharp also addressed the unique challenges faced by the women’s wrestling category. Many women leave the sport to start families, and some are deterred by societal stigma. “There is still a perception that wrestling is too rough for women,” Sharp said, “which has unfortunately dissuaded some from pursuing it.”
Despite these setbacks, Sharp remains hopeful about the future of wrestling in Botswana. The federation has launched trials to develop entertainment wrestling, a move aimed at growing the sport’s popularity and securing funds. From last year’s trials, 25 participants were selected—20 men and 5 women. “We want to grow the sport and create something in the entertainment realm,” Sharp said. “My dream is for wrestling in Botswana to one-day stand shoulder to shoulder with major entertainment sports like WWE.”
As the BWF prepares for the Intuthuko Championship, the focus remains on building momentum and overcoming challenges, with an eye toward long-term growth for wrestling in Botswana.
