13 Mar 2022

- Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) is set to finalise a junior team for the upcoming regional and continental championships.

Speaking after an intense selection round on Saturday, junior team head coach, Sensei George Tshikare said he was hopeful that with time and dedicated training, the team would be in fine form in the upcoming tournaments.

Tshikare, who was recently reinstated as head coach of the national karate junior team, said they would work on a few basic techniques and be ready to face any team.

Giving an overview of the weekend’s final matches, Tshikare said karatekas looked a bit rusty owing to a lengthy layoff following COVID-19 restrictions.

Medalists from the first round that was played two weeks ago converged at the BOKA dojo to fight for the minimum slots in the national team.

The tournament, which ended Saturday night, produced some of the exciting results.

In the boys 16-17 years, individual kata, Louis Madibela, was outstanding.

Gabriel Molefe went for the second spot ahead of Bofelo Daniel and Ronald Kaote.

Region five gold medallist, Lentle Tanyala displayed yet another polished performance beating traditional rival, Amantle Leburu to the first spot.

In the closely contested girls Under 21 years individual kata Charlene Magalie scooped the first spot ahead of Melrose Phute and Patience Steven.

In the boys under 21 kata, Gregory Inger beat Motlhophi Makepe and Theo Keabile to the first spot. In yet another interesting round of matches, Rorisang Lekgola impressed judges in the girls 14-15 years individual kata ahead of Kelebogile Kaziyo.

On the same age bracket in the boys’ class, Lefang Fanyang beat Arnold Kenosi. A tight contest came in the girls’ individual Kumite Under 45kg category where Katlego Mosweunyana beat Setso Mothibi to the first spot.

In the boys 12-13 years kumite,  Alvin Phuduhudu came first ahead of James China and Tumo France.

In the boys Under 55kg, Tanaka Ngidi continued his fine form beating his closest rival Franklin Motlhabi to the first spot.

And yet another exciting boys’ under 63kg Desmond Monthe fought his way to the top against Walter Tebogo and Stanley Mhlanga who were impressive in the first round matches.

BOKA spokesperson, Isaiah Ramontshonyana, said they were yet to review points accumulated by athletes over the past karate championships before they could call a final squad into camp.

The junior team is set to participate in the Region 5 tournament billed for May in Johannesburg. The Under 14/15 category might also try their luck at the Africa championships. ENDS