15 Jun 2025

Lobatse was yesterday a spectacle of karate athleticism and technique as young kata and kumite contenders displayed powerful strikes and agile footwork with strong mental fortitude during the Bandleng Ngwana wa mo Africa Karate championship. The championship was meant  to sharpen and showcase Karate skills and exchange of knowledge among the athletes. 

“The championship went beyond our expectations, last year we hosted around 100 children but this year we have registered over 200 children including the first time athletes and instructors from  Botswana and Africa,” said Sensei Dr Keone Kgorotlhe who is one of the organisers.

Sensei Kgorotlhe said the whole idea behind the championship was to commemorate June 16, the day of the African Child and use the karate discipline to impart knowledge to the youth. Organised by Dojo Ken Karate Academy, the championship was on its third year running and featured children from the age of six.  It also featured youngsters who recently participated at the Japan Karate Association Africa Cup

Sensei Kabelo Molefe, coach at Kids On Mission Karate club said the competition was worth partaking in as it tested the skills of young karatekas. The club brought a team of 12 athletes to the championship.

“We have seen growth in technique. Clearly the athletes were hungry for competition, the excitement was high, the commitment was there and athletes were showing that they enjoyed what they were doing. It shows that if we can hold more tournaments of this nature they will gain momentum from playing in different championships. The kids are looking forward to the next competition which is good for their development,” said Sensei Molefe.

He was particularly impressed by his kata team in the U-6 category who gave a sterling performance winning gold medals while competing for the first time. A karate and Judo guru, Sensei Hanshi Mohan Hira from South Africa who brought with him a group of 20 athletes said Botswana had shown tremendous growth in martial arts which must be nurtured through staging more competitions to develop athletes mental strength and be in a position to shine at the world stage.

“There is so much progress, children are showing enthusiasm, discipline and they also demonstrate character. That is how karate should be and they will go far,” he said.

Lobatse Member of Parliament, Kamal Jacobs appreciated South African athletes for making it to Botswana for the commemoration of the Day of the African Child.

“June 16 is one of the momentous occurrences that join us together. We have the good memories of how the two countries supported each other in those difficult times,” he said.

Jacobs said the leadership would continue to support sport initiatives as they offered young people an opportunity to showcase their talent and grow with a positive mindset. He appealed to various stakeholders including the business community and parents to continue working together towards advancement of sports as it had the potential to produce well rounded citizens to assist in growing the economy.

“I wish to take this opportunity to encourage young people to desist temptation to indulge in alcohol and drugs as the substances has the capability to ruin their future. As sports young men and women you need to play without consumption of drugs which will eventually affect your health and body as you grow. If you want to have a bright future and to be a great sports person, stay away from drugs and alcohol,” he said. ENDS