16 Jun 2022

Top karatekas from the region 5 cluster take the stage on Saturday for the 10th edition of the Gabs Open Karate championships.

The thrilling tournament with a memorable quest for glory brings the best of the best in the sport under one roof at the Boipuso Hall. Organisers of the annual karate championship have promised a bigger and better tournament. Top drawer karate bouts are expected to take centre stage as local karatekas are also eyeing points for national team slots.

Speaking in an interview one of the organisers sensei Ofentse Bakwadi said at least four regional champions had shown interest to take part in the event and said this would somehow add the aroma to the already sumptuous bouts lined up for the weekend. Bakwadi said despite a two-year hiatus owing to the COVID-19 pandemic the 10th edition of the tournament looks set to be bigger and more exciting as it would showcase some of the finest karatekas from the region fresh from victory in the just-ended Region 5 karate championships hosted in Durban last month.

He said with an impressive performance, local karatekas have heightened their preparations for this year’s karate extravaganza in their bid to make a positive impression ahead of other pressing national team assignments in the karate calendar.

The visiting karatekas would find tough opposition from the local lads who are undoubtedly in good form and in high spirits.

Enterprising youngster Quinton Mosupiemang looks set to continue his dominance in the senior under 75kg Kumite. Some gold medal prospects in the closely contested under 75kg division are Thabiso Selaolo, Pelaelo Kebabitse and Mbatshi Selalame. Another interesting category to look forward to is the male under 57kg individual Kumite which might pit the likes of Teto Wakwena, Gabriel Ramasimong and Batlareng Shabane.

All eyes will be on the return to the tatami of former African Youth Games gold medalist Thabang Setshego who returned home this week from Malaysia where he completed his academic programme. He is set to compete in the 67kg category. Other interesting karatekas to watch in the ladies’ division are Lethabo Sekano, Lesego Masimola, Centy Kgosikoma and Entle Maungwa amongst others. ENDS