23 Mar 2016

Kata sensation, Ofentse Bakwadi, is leading a team of five karatekas at the lucrative US Open and Junior International Cup. 

The tournament starts today and the team is expected back home on March 30. Botswana Hayashi Ha Karate Federation regards the World Karate Federation (WKF) sanctioned tournament as part of their official calendar of events and has sent the seven men delegation to the Paris Hotel and Convention Centre.

WKF accredited referee, Shihan Mpho Bakwadi, and head of delegation, Fatima Khan, are with the team in the Nevada city of Las Vegas. 

Before joining the team on Monday ofentse Bakwadi had a short training session in Hong Kong with accomplished kata maestros in the mould of Chris Chen.

The karatekas missed the last two editions of the closely contested US cup and Bakwadi is hopeful that they will put up a polished performance against the world’s tried and tested. Though it will be his fourth tournament, Bakwadi has never won a medal at the tournament but came close to scoring a top four finish but was stopped in his tracks in the semifinal by Brazilian sensation Douglas Brose. Brose is the current WKF under 60 world champion. 

Bakwadi brings an array of experience to the tournament following impressive performances at the just ended All Africa Games and regional zone VI tournaments.

Bakwadi will take part in the elite category. Another gold medal prospect is under21 hopeful Tshepo Baumake. 

Baumake is the Africa Youth Games champion in kata and is expected to face tough opposition.

Motheo Moipolai (11) will be making his maiden appearance at the tournament. Much is expected from the youngster whose rise to top notch competitions is second to none. 

Moipolai is the youngest black belt karateka in the country now.  His strength lies in synchronized kata moves. The duo of Mohammed Ali and Ammed Ali Hussain took part in the last tournament the boys attended and will be hoping to pick up the dust and settle for a respectable position. Ends