09 Feb 2016

The passion for karate displayed by 35 year-old Otsile ‘Tengo’ Motsamai has moved him to motivate and inspire 5-16 years olds. He wants them to be the best they can be in karate as well as help improve their personality, coupled with sincere attitude towards the moral principles.

Speaking in an interview with BOPA recently, Motsamai, who started karate at the age of six said he was mentored by one Lerako Morupisi, who on occasion assigned him to lead the karate team throughout training.
This gave him an opportunity to bring to light more of his talent in coaching, adding that he participated in different tournaments.

In 2012, he competed in Japan Karate Association (JKA) African cup, which was held in South Africa and got a Bronze medal.
“I volunteered in Karate coaching in 2003 at Kgari Sechele Senior Secondary School, where I worked with different students aged 5 to 23 years,”

He said this is where he transformed the lives of disadvantaged young people, recognising that sports can result in improved school attendance and academic performance as well as better behavior.
Motsamai, who originates from Mmadinare, said parents also reported great success in their children’s academic work, and behaviour, which motivated him.

He further attested his success to support from teachers and parents and his eagerness and desire to be a coach.
In 2004, he managed to open Chobe Karate Club and most of the students he mentored joined the junior national team and have been participating in various tournaments since.

“In 23 September 2013, I was offered one year contract by Botswana National Sports Council as the head of Re ba bona ha project in Kasane and named the club Chobe Karate Club,” he said.
Motsamai then moved to Francistown in January 2014 as he works at the Department of Roads.

He observed that after school, children spend most of their time in the streets and are at high risk of being exposed to devious ills. Furthermore, he volunteered to start karate clubs in Mahube, Phase IV Primary and Aerodrome Primary Schools, which are nearer to where he stays.

He confirmed that he named the club Chobe Karate Club-Francistown and is currently training 200 students at Phase IV Community Hall.
“I learnt that these kids face difficulties and develop their own way to overcome such, however as a parent, I always try to understand their behavior and help them improve and most times I work closely with parents and teachers,” he said.

Moreover, he said after consistent practice, one becomes less impulsive and aggressive towards others and bowing down or standing still and waiting for the next command benefits them and it often carries over into school, helping to improve behavior and even their grades.

“I observed that most kids of both gender like sports and they are willing to learn and explore but some withdraw from karate just because their parents want them to play different sports or have negative perception on sports,” he said.He advised parents to acknowledge what their children are and also plead for financial support from private companies, parents and teachers. Ends