'Snubbed' Karateka Dobolo Cries Foul

By Mogomotsi Moloi
Correspondent | Monday May 12, 2008 00:00

 

Dobolo retired from active karate last year to introduce a new style, Ryushin-Kan, focusing on youth development. Though he started the style on a higher note last year and staged strings of successful tournaments, his efforts to register as Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) affiliate hit a snag after other members expressed doubts over his capabilities to run a karate federation.

This was in contrary to BOKA executive's approval and acceptance of the new development, which was only rejected by few delegates. BOKA constitution, section 4.4.2, states that membership granted by the executive committee shall be ratified at the AGM by the general congress.

But it was argued on Saturday that this was not possible and a stalemate developed as the committee and some delegates could not agree. Though observers gave the new development the nod, some delegates recommended that monitoring has to be made before accepting the new membership. 'I am very disappointed at what has transpired today. I have hosted a number of successful shows and everybody, including the BOKA executive committee members attended,' said Dobolo who felt that the refusal to ratify his new federation was unjustified. He pointed out that delegates' move in fact amounted to sabotage. He insisted that he has potential and the standard of his style is highly regarded and wondered why some delegates refused to endorse his style.

He noted that some styles have never hosted even a single tournament but they continue to enjoy the benefits of being BOKA affiliates, whereas he is active but denied the opportunity to register.

He did not dispute that he was fresh from retirement as national team player but maintained that he has proven himself beyond reasonable doubt that he can lead a style. 'We contribute a lot to karate development in Botswana. We came with a new concept to unearth new talent at primary schools, now we command a huge following but I am disappointed today by delegates' decision,' he told the meeting.

An emotionally charged Dobolo further asked if he should dump the innocent children after he promised to develop them into formidable athletes. He lamented that failure to ratify his style would deny his students the opportunity to participate internationally. 'We worked so hard to come up with this concept and we are being let down by karate authorities,' he contended. 

Mabuni Shito-Ryu chairman Thupa Thupa was the first to oppose the BOKA's intention to authenticate Dobolo's style. He submitted that new members are ballooning at an alarming rate and this does not help development but kills the spirit of the sport. 'We should be concerned about the quality of athletes we produce, not the number of federations registering to BOKA,' insisted Thupa.

Although he did not have empirical evidence about the mushrooming of new styles, he stated that it was a cause for concern. He branded Dobolo a mere athlete whose tactical capabilities are questionable and needs further development.

He said the new association requires intensive assessment, technical and tactical assistance before being taken on board.

Khoahla Pheko, of Hayashi-Ha, asserted that it is good to encourage sports development but resources at hand must be taken into consideration. He said BOKA coffers, already hard hit, and would be exhausted if more styles were to be registered. 'Accepting them (Ryushin-Kan International) now will be suicidal on BOKA's part,' he agued amid murmers of disapproval from the floor. 

BOKA president Gift Nkwe, who was accused of failing to stamp his authority in a tense meeting, indicated that proper evaluation had been made in Ryushin-Kan application and they met the requirements. He said though they had powers as the executive final decision lay with delegates under this circumstance. He said they never envisaged such a deadlock in the issue and he deferred the ratification to another forum.

While Dobolo vowed that they would fight hard for their membership, Ryushin-Kan legal advisor and additional member Tshepo Dipatane told Monitor Sport that they would sit down and decide what action to take. He did not rule out the possibility of re-applying, if needed.