Karate team’s Zone VI standards drop
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday June 29, 2024 06:00
The team finished second behind South Africa with 39 medals which included 11 gold, 13 silver, and 15 bronze. The Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) sent a team of 23 athletes to the competition. Last year, BOKA had sent a team of 42 members. Travelling to the competition was marred with challenges, as the association was forced to trim the team by almost half. The outcome reflects that the team dropped its standards compared to the past Region 5 competitions. In 2022, Botswana finished second and won 46 medals while last year they increased the medal tally to 47.
The BOKA president, Mpho Bakwadi, admitted that the standard has diminished due to factors beyond their control. “We were forced to trim the team, from athletes to coaches. We need to invest money to get results. You cannot budget P90, 000 for tournaments and expect miracles.BOKA should now come up with ways to raise funds; we cannot rely on government,” Bakwadi said. He said there is need for training camps and there is still room for improvement. According to information reaching MmegiSport, one of the Under-21 team members who was competing in the Under 55kg kumite, Amantle Leburu, was injured during the competition. “She was cut out of the squad and her parents sponsored her to attend the tournament,” a source said. Bakwadi said he was aware of Leburu’s injury but she has since recovered. “Karate is a contact sport, meaning chances of picking injuries are high. Kao Nsala picked up a shoulder injury during the African Games. He has recovered and now he has received the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) Elite Scholarship,” he said.
Bakwadi said BOKA has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoU) with the South Africa Karate and it is time for constructive criticism.
Gold medallists Chris Junior Kgosi, Senior women kata team, Senior men kata team, Lesika Motswagole, Rebaone Phuduhudu, Senior men kumite, Lethabo Sekano, Resego Sesinyi, Gaone Mothoyomotona, Charline Magalie, and Prince Ngwako.
Silver medallists Lethabo Sekano, Boemo Ramsimong, Vanessa Pono, Baone Pelaelo, Chris Junior Kgosi, Charleen Magalie (kata and kumite), Gofaone Mosupiemang, Gustavo Johanes, Lesego Masimola, Luis Chengeta, Goitseone Koosaletse, and senior women kumite team.
Bronze medallists Gabriel Molefhe (kata and kumite), Bofelo Daniel, Amantle Leburu, Norman Leburu, Leticia Mushipe, Girls kata team, Jonathan Chengeta, Olorato Motlhale, and Onkemetse Chepete.