09 Apr 2017

Former Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) president, Sensei Tshepo Bathai made a convincing return to the helm of the association in a resounding victory during an elective congress on April 8.

 

The fifth Dan black belt karateka led the karate governing body in 2014, but his tenure was short-lived as a motion of no confidence removed his executive committee from office. 

 

The annual general meeting on Saturday ushered in Bathai after beating his rival Shihan Mpho Bakwadi by 11 votes to six. 

 

The latter contested for the presidency after serving as vice president (technical). 

 

Sensei Sam Dire ousted former treasurer, Lere Basupang for the position of vice president (administration).

 

For the secretary general post, Phineas Motseolapile convinced voting delegates beating Kgosietsile Dibotelo.

 

Pule Kwelagobe beat Bose Caiphus to assist Motseolapile, while Mothusi Tsime beat Kemmonye Selatamotse for the treasury. 

 

Two posts namely vice president technical and publicity secretary were unopposed and were smoothly assumed by Sensei Union Kgafela and Isaiah Ramontshonyana respectively.

 

In his acceptance speech, Bathai promised all the BOKA affiliates warm and consultative relations. He said they were still to sit and chart the way forward as the newly committee. 

 

He thanked the outgoing committee for pulling through against all odds. 

 

Outgoing BOKA president, David Mathe said despite a number of challenges that his committee was faced, they managed to make some achievements in the shortest of time in office. 

 

Mathe was roped in immediately after Bathai’s sacking and led an interim committee before being appointed president after fresh elections in 2015. ENDS