29 May 2018

The International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) has produced the first female chief instructor in Botswana, Sensei Eileen Alberts.

Sensei Alberts, 62, explained on Monday (May 28) that it was a great achievement for her as a woman, as she had to work hard for the accolade.

Sensei Alberts said she started karate at the age of 34 after developing love for the sport from taking her children to karate classes and championships.

She said she was nervous when she started but never backed off from the challenge and pursued her goal of becoming the best.

She said her first fight was against a black belt and that she won a silver medal and knew it was the beginning of a lifetime commitment.

She noted that she went on to participate at three world championships in Tokyo in 1992, Mexico in 1995 and Cape Town in 2017.

She said together with a team of eight karatekas they brought two bronze medals from the Cape Town competition and lifted the Botswana flag high.

She said she would like to train girls, as she wants women to know that nothing was impossible in life, adding that whoever wants to achieve their dream could do it.

Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) publicity secretary, Sensei Isaiah Ramontshonyana said it was a great milestone to have a female instructor in the country.

Sensei Ramontshonyana said it showed that they recognised and appreciated women in sports.

He said it was great that the ISKF Botswana chief instructor was a woman, which showed that women had a role in sports leadership.

Sensei Ramontshonyana said BOKA has ratified the ISKF membership and also adopted its code of conduct policy, disciplinary policy, elections policy and national team selection policy.

He further said the appointment of commission members was done.

He said the technical commission members were Sensei Christopher Ponatshego as chairperson, Sensei Kgosi Dibotelo, Sensei Otto Tafa, Sensei Gary Kgathi while the development commissions included Sensei Moemedi Mpebe as chairperson, Sensei Webster Nkwebi, Sensei Karabo Samuel and Sensei Keorapetse Mogopodi. ENDS