Botswana Karate National Team bagged home 75 medals at the just of the ended 2016 Africa Zone 6 championships held in Zimbabwe, Harare.
The team comprised of 61 Karatekas (13 seniors and 48 juniors) competing in both individual and team events under Kata and Kumite.
In the senior team that was under the guidance of Sensei Peter Molefhe, Ofentse Shakes Bakwadi dug deep to scoop gold in senior male Kata after eliminating all of his 6 opponents.
“There were two tough men from South Africa that I was wary of. In the finals I did a very technical Kata (Chatanyara kusanku) and you need to be fit in order to do it well without getting exhausted. My opponent also did a technical and strong Kata (Superimpei) but I beat him 4-1 even though it was not easy,” he said.
Oratile Caiphus and Thabang Setshego also scooped gold for the under 60kg and 75kg individual Kumite respectively.
Sensei Peter Molefhe couldn’t hide his excitement.
“This is the best team I have ever coached.”
He cited good discipline and commitment.
“Ofentse Bakwadi has been dominating this region for so long and I hope he carries that momentum to Africa. My team is made up of young people who are still willing to learn even though they perform well. I believed in my team and I knew they will bring gold results for the nation,” he added.
Thato Malunga dominated the ladies section in the individual Kumite where she got gold and a bronze in Kata.
“I was not shaken by negative reports that questioned my team’s integrity by people who wanted to destruct peace and tranquility amongst my team because they underestimated my capability to lead the team hence these impressive results,” said Molefhe.
The senior team is expected to report back in two weeks time to prepare for the Africa Senior Championships billed for July in South Africa.
