27 Feb 2022

Karatekas put up a good show at the first competitive tournament since the karate governing body closed the curtain in tournaments owing to COVID-19 restrictions two years ago.

Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) spokesperson, Isaiah Ramontshonyana, said the Kgosi Kgari Sechele III open karate championships were kickstarting the busy schedule lined up for the year.

Speaking on the sidelines of the day long event, Ramontshonyana said the tournament that attracted karatekas from the South African national team was used to launch their patron, Kgosi Kgari and prepare for karate Series A.

On Saturday, Lesego Masimong was impressive in the female individual kumite against Lame Hetanang in the semi final.

The youngster from the Hayashi-Ha karate stable grabbed maximum three points after a well landed mawashageri on Hetanang.

Another promising athlete, Centy Kgosikoma set a date with Masimong after narrowly beating Charlene Magalie 2-1 in the second semi final before grabbing her second gold medal against her opponent.

In the girls cadet category, Zakiyah Choor from South Africa beat Lentle Kaunda while junior boys Gabriel Molefe came ahead of Ronald Katse and Mogomotsi Kolobe.

In the girls above 16 years, Amantle Leburu was crowned champion ahead of South African karatekas, Sanjana Maharaj and Theo Langehorst.

Kgosikoma grabbed her second gold in the senior females Kata beating Entle Maungwa and Magalie in the second and third spot respectively.

Jesse Sim of South Africa beat Boemo Ramasimong in the male individual Kata.

In the under 55kg female kumite, Tshegofatso Chepete beat Nomsa Merapelo in the final match while Phoebe Kgwefane settled for bronze.

Gustavo Johannes won the senior males individual kumite beating Dan Botlhomile in the final.

In the 60kg division Thebe Duna continued his fine form beating Wamorena Metswi in the final match.

In the 84kg division, Oratile Caiphus failed to defend his title succumbing to Katlego Tsenene in the final. ENDs