But there was a glimmer of hope when he joined taekwondo in 2021, and he now dreams of a better future, with his sights set on the Olympic stage. An athlete of few words, the 19-year-old told MmegiSport this week that taekwondo has become his saviour. He said taekwondo has brought purpose into his life because he had never played sport before. Madumetse said sport is not only about physical change and the ability to inspire others, but it also holds the power to change. He said he is involved in mobilising young boys and girls from different locations in Gaborone to join taekwondo. “I have never played any sport before but when I came across taekwondo, I did not think twice. I am a member of Powerhouse team in Gaborone under coach, Gladys Njoroge. I am the current champion of the President Cup where I was fighting in the 68kg category,” he said. Madumetse said his dream is to continue working hard to qualify for the Olympic Games. He said the Olympics are the biggest stage that every athlete yearns to participate in and all that he needs is focus and determination.
“There are different techniques in taekwondo but most of the time kicks are used a lot. My favourite technique is push kick and punching. In taekwondo, we are allowed to use power unlike karate where they just touch,” he said. Madumetse said he does not have a role model because he wants to set his own path. “I do not want to lie, my family does not care, and they do not support me. They just congratulate me when they see me with a medal after winning,” said a disappointed champion. For her part, coach Njoroge told MmegiSport that she came across Madumetse in the street and asked him to join taekwondo. She said the next day, he came for training, and since then, he has never stopped. “Our relationship is that of a mother and son. After he did not do well in his academics, I told him to continue training at my academy, Tae Sports Taekwondo Academy,” she said.
Njoroge said Madumetse is a disciplined individual, always assisting other academy students. She said to show that he is level-headed, Madumetse is in charge of a community programme that helps children from Extension 16 to 20. Thus far the project has attracted more than 50 students into the sport. “He is also involved in teaching students from government schools. Future plans are to see him going to international games for exposure. I am currently training him for coaching cadets and juniors,” Njoroge said.
Meanwhile, Njoroge said Tae Sports Taekwondo Academy is a training centre, open for all to train, mostly for those with a dream of becoming professional athletes and coaches. “I rent a warehouse so that coaches and athletes can train, including those selected for international games (World Championships, Africa Games and Africa Championships). "After that, the senior athletes are free to open their clubs at different locations. Powerhouse was the first club to be registered and from it, we have other clubs across the country,” Njoroge said. She added that members of the taekwondo team that competed at the 2014 Youth Game were all from Powerhouse.
FACT FILE
Full names: Keobakile Madumetse Date of birth: February 2, 2005 Place of birth: Ramotswa Profession: Taekwondo athlete Team: Powerhouse Club: Tae Sports Taekwondo Academy Achievements: 2024 President Cup -68kg champion Preferred skill: Push kick and punching Favourite meal: Pap and beef stew
