27 May 2018

Africa Union Sports Council (AUSC) Region 5 Karate Federation president, Sensei Million Masumbika is confidence that Botswana is prepared to host the continental Union of African Karate Federations (UFAK) junior and senior karate championship next year.

Botswana won the bid to host the tournament in Cameroon last year. This year, the games will be staged in Kigali, Rwanda in the last weekend of August.

Sensei Masumbika was speaking at the official opening ceremony of this year’s AUSC Region 5 karate tournament that is currently underway at the Boipuso Hall in Gaborone.

He assured top officials from the World Karate Federation (WKF) that the region was getting more and more organised and accountable hence he was happy that UFAK decided to hold its first qualification courses in Botswana.

“A successful organisation is one thing but more importantly I truly believe that the AUSC Region 5 Karate Federation is now a valuable organisation, providing a good opportunity for the youthful generation to find physical and intellectual stimulus as well as opportunities to socialise in many ways,” he said.

Sensei Masumbika highlighted that the tournament was happening at a time when they were celebrating the regions affiliation to the mainstream AUSC Region 5.

“Effective this month, the AUSC Karate Federation has become a fully recognised Regional Confederation and expected to participate in all activities of the region,” he said.

“I must therefore recognise the arduous work and efforts of my executive committee in particular our secretary general who is the lifeline of the organisation, Sensei Joe Rugwete, who worked tirelessly to ensure that we meet the stringent conditions that are required to become a full member of the region. Our administrators, officials and athletes will now benefit from the AUSC Region 5 sport developmental programmes as well as to be on the podium during their annual awards ceremonies.

Top officials from world karate governing body who graced the occasion were amongst others WKF executive committee member and UFAK vice president Souleyman Gaye and also UFAK head of the referees commission Zitouni Metyout.

Metyout is in the country to offer local officials a rare opportunity to grade to UFAK judge B for both kata and kumite.

Meanwhile, Team Botswana got off to a flying start and look set to surpass their medal target of 60.

At the end of day three the team had already made an impressive medal haul with the male team kumite and female team in fine form.

The likes of regional champions in the mold of Lentle Tanyala and Ofentse Bakwadi retained their titles. ENDS