07 Apr 2016

Top karatekas from the Zone VI region take the stage this weekend for the 6^th edition of the Gabs Open Karate championships. The thrilling tournament with a memorable quest for glory will bring best of the best in the sport under one roof at Al Nur English Medium Multi-purpose Hall in Block 8.

At least six national champions from the region have confirmed their participation in the annual tournament hosted by Hayashi Ha Botswana Karate Union. Free State based Sandile Makwali will lead a strong team of three South Africa national champions to Gaborone.

Makwali won silver at last years All Africa Games in Brazzaville. He will be accompanied by Balungile Ngcofe and Western Cape sensational youngster and the only lady in the team Maxime Willemse. 

However a blow to the tournament is the absence of Asian champions Cheng Tsz Man Chris, Lee Ka Wai, Lee Chun Ho and Tsang Yee Ting. The quartet is attending World Karate Federation sanctioned 2016 Karate 1-Premier League in Dubai. Some of the biggest names of the sport in the mould of Zimbabwean Winston Nyanhete are expected to grace the matches.

However the visiting karatekas are guaranteed tough opposition from the locals lads who have been on fine form. Much of the attention of karate enthusiasts will be focused on the under 75kg male kumite where Oratile Caiphus will go for the jugular with the likes of Makwali.

A tough encounter that might also stand out as the highlight of the day is expected in the male u67kg where sensational kumite star Thabang Setshego is competing. The clash for gold in this category will undoubtedly be thrilling to fans. Teto Wakwena has also displayed much command in his junior kumite category. Other interesting karatekas to look up to are junior kata champion Phillipe Revaka and cadet kata champion Mohammed Ali. 

The tournament is also packed with the experience of China Metswi, Carlos Dambe and Ofentse Bakwadi. Bakwadi is having a bumper season despite falling in the preliminaries of the highly coveted US Open in Las Vegas during the Easter weekend. He has also been nominated for this year’s prestigious Sportsman of the Season award. Ends