11 Feb 2018

Kicks and punches flew thick and fast at the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) training hall this past Saturday as karatekas battled to impress and be picked into the senior national team camp.

According to head coach Peter Molefhe of the senior team which is yet to be called into camp after the three legged tie of the selection tournament, the association intends to bring a formidable team that will haul medals at the closely contested Africa Region five tournament penciled for Gaborone in May before preparing for the continental showpiece, the Union of Karate Federations (UFAK) junior and senior karate championships in Kigali Rwanda in June.

Those who make the final cut at the continental tournament will have the chance to travel to Spain for the World Karate Federation sanctioned world cup.

Speaking on the sidelines of the day long tournament at the BOKA dojo sensei Molefhe said he intends to meet with his technical team and consider bringing in a considerable number of athletes into the team for the region five tournament.

A cream of the crop tournament was played on the red and blue mat before an impressive crowd with a number of upsets recorded during the process.
Kofukan youngster Oratile Nkhumisang shocked Africa medalist Lame Hetanang beating her in the final fight of the female under 55kg kumite. The JKA karateka settled for the second spot ahead of another promising young talent Khumoyaone Maduma. In the U50kg Kgomotso Chakabuya continued with her fine form beating her club mate Centy Kgosikoma to the first spot while Dubani Didintle came in third.

In the female over 68kg Tshegofatso Mangadi came from behind to inch past veteran karateka Malebogo Robert while Thabang Maleke pulled a surprise victory from Tsholofelo Maduma. Another surprise came in the female U61kg as Amogelang Gilbert beat the much fancied Gaolatlhe Tjetjo.

In the male kata Ofentse Bakwadi continued his dominance coming on the first spot ahead of Boemo Ramasimong, Thabo Letshwiti and Tlotlang Ponatshego respectively.

Batlareng Shabane started his season on a high note as he beat Katlego Boyase in the male U60kg kumite while another old horse Kabelo Molefhe returned to winning ways with an emphatic victory against Gabriel Ramasimong. Ends