27 Jun 2019

Botswana’s karate team bagged four medals from the first African Beach Games held in Sal, Cape Verde.

 The team scoped two bronze medals courtesy of Entle Maungwa and Ofentse Bakwadi. The male kata team, made up of Bakwadi, Thebe Duna and Tlotlang Ponatshego won a silver medal as well as another bronze from the female kata team made up of Maungwa, Centy Koma and Lame Hetanang.

Welcoming the team home on June 26, Botswana National Olympic Committee (BNOC) acting president, Tshepo Sitale noted that the games brought together 860 athletes from the African continent.

The country competed only in karate and basketball. Other categories included beach handball, coastal rowing, beach tennis, beach volleyball, karate, kite surfing and open water swimming.

Sitale, who was speaking on behalf of Assistant Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, said the team did the country proud by doing exceptionally well in karate.

He also said  athletes gained experience to build for future international competitions.

He said the country continued to produce globally competitive sportspersons as proved by the beach games.

Furthermore, he applauded BNOC for their inclusive approach, saying they had  more female representation in the team as well as a female chef de mission.

Sitale said the value of sport could not be underestimated as acknowledged by Vision 2036. He added that sport has the potential to contribute to the country’s economy and could be used to unite the nation.

In addition, he said sports builds character and integrity and that it gave athletes a mindset of success.

He further noted that through sport, friendships, teamwork and cooperation were enhanced, thus building social cohesion and preparing athletes to be rounded individuals even in adult life.

Botswana National Olympic Committee CEO, Tuelo Serufho said the beach games gave athletes an opportunity to compete with their peers in the continent, and that they were allowed to build friendships as well as improve on their performance and rating.

However, he said they have challenges when it comes to major international competitions as there were no adequate resources.

He commended government for their support but appealed for more funds and urged the private sector to come on board.

Team Botswana chef de mission, Dimpho Setlalekgosi said she was assigned a team of great, respectful and hardworking young men and women who made her work easy.

She said the team worked hard, played clean and enjoyed the expedition as much as they have gained skills and experience from it.

One of the athletes, Bakwadi emphasised the need to compete in world class competitions, adding that they equip athletes with the much-needed experience.He said they would utilise the lessons learned to continue being great athletes and representing Botswana with respect and dignity. ENDS