Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) has over the weekend, concluded the selection of the national senior team that will participate in the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Championships scheduled for Angola this May, despite facing financial constraints in sending the team.

Speaking in an interview in Gaborone, BOKA Secretary General, Sensei Brian Dibotelo said that the the association’s prospects depend on securing sponsorship.

As a result, he appealed to sponsors to come forward and help  the 42 athletes who have qualified.

In the Kata category, the team comprises four female athletes: Centy Kgosikoma, Lame Hetanang, Lentle Kaunda and Lesego Masimola, who is experienced in competitions of this calibre. In addition, the duo of Kutlo Thomas and Martin Motseke are the only male participants in this category.

Meanwhile, out of the 42 athletes who qualified through a three-leg selection process based on points accumulated during each session, 36, comprising 18 males and 18 females, will compete in Kumite across different categories. 

Sensei Dibotelo noted that the turnout was impressive and expressed satisfaction with the high standard of techniques and the level of preparedness demonstrated.

He explained that the selection process was held in Gaborone due to its proximity to the majority of the teams. Clubs from across the country, including those travelling from as far as Maun and Francistown, took part. ENDS