Bathai to quit BOKA
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday June 25, 2022 06:00
There was even a legal tussle that nearly resulted in the process being declared null and void. Bathai, who was leading the battalion, took the elections to his second home village of Kanye.
That was in May and he eventually walked away victorious. But now, he feels that it is time to close that chapter and focus on other engagements and will step down in November.
Back in 2014, Bathai was removed from office through a motion of no confidence and David Mathe was brought in as interim president until 2017. Bathai then took the baton again until his recent decision to call it quits. His resignation has been received with mixed feelings within the karate fraternity. Some affiliates felt that Bathai is jumping a ship that is about to hit an iceberg. Other affiliates felt that the man was running the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) like it was his own company.
At one point, he was accused of being a dictator. To his credit, Bathai did not fear taking the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) head-on when he felt things were not going well for karate. His term and that of his executive committee was to end in 2025. Bathai told Mmegi Sport that starting next year, he will be engaged and not have time for sport.
He said his decision to resign is to serve justice for everyone. “I am someone who goes for something that I want. When I believe in something, I make it a reality. Of course, in the process I might step on a few toes. On the other hand, I cannot expect everyone to like me. I am here for the benefit of karate. Politics have their own place and time, they cannot walk side by side,” he said.
Bathai said he has done a lot for karate during his tenure and he leaves behind a capable executive committee that will continue where he left off. During his period, BOKA hosted the 2018 AUSC Region 5 Karate Championship, 2019 UFAK Africa Karate Championship, and got the nod to organise the 2024 Commonwealth Karate Championship.
Bathai said together with his committee they were able to introduce the Botswana Karate League. Other initiatives include the national coaches accreditation framework, all-referees commission members have a minimum of Region 5 Karate Referee A qualification. “There is a lot that I have done for karate. Even outside the country. I was recognised, as you know I am vice president of the Commonwealth Karate Federation and general-secretary for the Region 5 Karate Federation,” he said.
Bathai said challenges come with the post. He said when one takes a position, they should be able to effect change and contribute to the development of sport. “Yes, some will call me dictatorial, but it is all aimed at the implementation of agreed projects within time set. The other issue of concern within sport is governance. I am a defender of the constitution and that means I should protect it by all means and what is necessary for everyone to operate within its limitations. So, this did not go down well with others,” he said.
Bathai said he has learnt the skills of balancing different interests versus the delivery of the mandate. He said he does not intend to contest for any position in sport. BOKA affiliates will vote for their new president in November.
Meanwhile, Botswana Ryushin-Kan Federation has been awarded membership of BOKA. Bathai said before the recent admission, the style was no longer a member of BOKA. But Shokukai Karate Union remains side-lined after the style was struck off the database at Registrar of Societies.