19 Sep 2023

Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) president, Mpho Bakwadi, has decried the insufficient funds they received from the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) this financial year.

Briefing delegates at the BOKA assembly recently, Bakwadi said the P290 000 they received from BNSC was insufficient to meet their developmental needs.

He said in order to streamline the timely access to up-to-date data and improve the relationship between BOKA and its affiliates, BOKA was considering the introduction of license books for all

BOKA members in good standing. Bakwadi also said they would establish guidelines for affiliate events and tournaments to align them with the broader goals of the association.

The approach, he said, aims at utilise such events as tools for development and selections, as opposed to treating them as independent, stand alone occasions, as has been the practice in the past.

Talking about the technical department, Bakwadi said the BOKA calendar was already issued to affiliates for 2023, adding that referees and coaches’ courses were conducted with more than 40 participants involved.

He said the athletes competed at the Region 5 Karate, which was held in Harare and they managed to win 22 gold medals, 14 silver and three bronze medals, while at the Africa Championships they won three bronze medals. Bakwadi said there was a Re Ba Bona Ha training camp in Kasane, which was conducted by Solly Nageng in which 40 athletes participated. He said they had also appointed George Tshikare as the coach at the Centre of Sport Excellence.

In addition, the senior and junior team coaches have also been appointed.

In other issues, Bakwadi said the committee’s governance structure was founded on principles of openness, responsibility, and inclusiveness. He said they operate in accordance with a transparent and comprehensive framework of policies and procedures, encompassing a wide range of areas, including ethics, anti-doping measures, athletes protection, and the promotion of fair play.

It is crucial to recognise that challenges persist despite our achievements being celebrated.

We are determined to confront these challenges with unwavering dedication, continuously seeking opportunities for enhancement and innovation,” he said.

He said BOKA steadfastly upholds its mission of advancing the practice of karate within the nation, adding that their commitment to excellence in governance, proficiency in administration, and comprehensive development of athletes remain steadfast. ENDS