14 Mar 2016

Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) senior championships selection process has lived up to expectations.

BOKA public relations officer, Jerry Ditlhong, said this in an interview after the karatekas completed a demanding three legged tournament that came to a close in Lobatse over the weekend.

He said they deliberately put the athletes through a three legged tournament that required them to accumulate points through the stages with a view to make the selection process fair.

Sensei Ditlhong was happy that emerging karatekas such as Thabang Setshego, Raffaile Reid, Batlaareng Shabane and Lemogang Keolopile among others came along to add a spark to the tournament.

He said purpose of the tournament was to prepare the athletes for the Zone VI tournament billed for Zimbabwe and the African Karate Championship scheduled for Gabon in August.

Sensei Ditlhong said the highlight of the day was between Setshego, Reid and Shabane in the kumite U60kg category. 

Setshego and Shabane went to the finals tied at 140 points apiece gathered from the first two rounds with Reid close behind with 130 respectively.

Setshego came tops with 230 points while Reid beat Shabane to the second spot with 195 points. Ditlhong said the young men’s performances were a show of growth in the sport. 

He said the results also posed a threat to experienced athletes ahead.

In another exciting clash for the U67kg honours, Keolopile beat former champion Tirafalo Tsimamma to register a third consecutive win.

In other competitions Oratile Caiphus topped the U75kg category with 245 points while Mpho Bosenakitso came second with 220 points. Bosenakitso beat Oarabile Dambe, Nelson Matshamekwane and Mompati Johnson to the second spot.

Bose Caiphus won the fiercely contested U84kg with 230 points while Mogakolodi Motlhabi came behind with 190 points. 

The two likewise came to the final round of the tournament tied on points. Joseph Molodi came third with 165 points while Kaene Kago trailed behind with 130.

Another fierce competition was in the +84kg category where China Metswi got a third gold with 270 points followed by Keletso Tlhophego with 180 and Thabo Makwenyu on third spot with 165 points respectively.

Although he won, China said he had still to work on his speed and fitness to offset the height advantage most of the potential opponents across the continent are endowed with.

In senior female kata, Thato Malunga garnered 245 points followed by Lame Hetanang with 190 and Entle Maungwa with 180 respectively.

Merilynn Manthe beat Segametsi Mangadi to get a gold in the U68kg category. Otilia Okopeng won the U68kg with 245 points against Malebogo Robert’s 220. Ends