08 Dec 2019

Women And Sport Botswana (WASBO) member, Keenese Katisenge, says awards act as motivation and incentive for loyalty and good performance.

Speaking at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks Hayashi-Ha karate club awards ceremony on December 7, Katisenge applauded the club for making a mark and for producing quality karatekas for the national team.

Katisenge also indicated that it was importance for parents to support their children in sport.

The awards were meant to appreciate athletes who represented the club well this year.

The club awarded certificates to all national team athletes, those who displayed high standards in discipline and all nominated athletes for the Gabs Open Tournament.

Trophies were also awarded to overall best performers in different categories.

One remarkable award was that of the junior team of the year.

The club’s chairperson, Brigadier Lingilani Joseph, highlighted Botswana Defence Force’s (BDF)unwavering participation and contribution to sport in Botswana.

“BDF is the biggest physical fitness institution in this country so these children are at a place where they can get the best training,” he said.

He said though it was difficult to train children, they had well-trained and passionate instructors who were able to endure the exercise.

He also said karate had helped keep their athletes off the streets and any other mischief since they always left training tired and disciplined.

Lethabo Sekano (19), who recently joined the national team, encouraged her club mates to work hard and persevere, saying promotion did not come overnight.

Having joined Hayashi-Ha in 2011, she said she was only called to the national team in 2018 as a result of hard work and perseverance.

“In 2016 as I was climbing up the ladder, I got a fracture and nearly gave up as I thought it was impossible to proceed but here I am today, a well-positioned team player in the national team,” she said.

One of the parents, Linda Motseke urged other parents to up their support and attend tournaments with their children.

She said nothing motivated a child than seeing or hearing their parents cheer on them, more especially when they were having difficulties.

“Hayashi-Ha always have a good number of parents cheering for their children at tournaments, let us encourage others to join us as this is our winning strategy,” she said. ENDS