In what was dubbed as a fight off between the best of the best, Botswana Kofukan Federation recently held their national youth and senior karate championships. Karate as a sport has seen some serious youngsters emerging from grassroots level, as evident from the Africa Youth Games that were hosted in Gaborone earlier this year.
The highly spirited karate fight off which was recently held at Botswana College of Agriculture was in the form of team and individual challenges. The championship, as expected was a very tough and spectacular fight off.
In the female categories, the likes of Thato Malunga, Nshingi Mosalagae, Tsholofelo Maduma, Lesedi Mabolokanye, MarylinManthe, Gomolemo Mabolokanye, Baone Radiposo, Centy Kgosikoma all fought up to the spectators expectations.
In the male categories Mpho Bosenakitso, Oratile Caphius, Thebe Duna, One Ntalabwe, Leruo Masole, Thabang Setshego, TitoWakwena, Tirafalo Wakwena, TirafaloTsimamma, Neelo Kanokang, Moses Jones, just to name a few also performed exceptionally well.
The championship was a qualifier. George Tshikare, the technical commissioner of Botswana Kofukan Federation said, “four (4) Kofukan National regions were competing in team categories, being north region, central region, southern region and western region from 9-13 years, cadets 14-15 years, junior 16-17 years and 18 years and above.” He added that they did not have any sponsors and they had to foot the bill of organising the championship as the Botswana Kofukan Federation. “We hope to get more sponsors next year and we are optimistic that we will clinch a deal because karate is growing as a sport in Botswana.
