Founding karate President calls for more financial support

Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday June 9, 2026 09:53

They scooped five gold medals, a silver medal and seven bronze medals. Speaking to Sport Monitor, Mbaakanyi said when they introduced karate back in the 1990s, it was about discipline and there was no money from the sport as it was all about sacrifice.

He said athletes used to get money from their parents to buy equipment and travel to competitions. He said despite that, they were able to win medals from international competitions.

“Botswana Defence Force (BDF) was the only institution that was able to send athletes to international championships back then. Former BDF Commander, Lieutenant General Louis Matshwenyego Fisher was patriotic and supported karate during his tenure,” said Mbaakanyi who had hosted the team for a luncheon over the weekend.

“Karate is not only about fighting, it is about fitness, health and discipline. We were not doing karate for ourselves but did it for the community. You will never hear that a karateka has killed a person or was caught up in streets fights,” he said.

Mbaakanyi said BOKA had sent a small team of nine athletes to Region 5 Karate Championships but they excelled hence he saw it fit to celebrate them.

He said sport is not only about football or athletics but karate also deserves recognition. He said BOKA is one of the least funded sport codes by Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC).

For the 2026/2027 financial allocation, BOKA for being in tier two category, was allocated P500, 000 and P100, 000 in direct and indirect allocation respectively.

An advance of P436, 036.00 was already provided to BOKA. Consequently, the amount will be deducted from the total direct allocation, and this leaves BOKA with a balance of P63, 962.00.

Speaking at the luncheon, BOKA president, Shihan Mpho Bakwadi said it is encouraging to see former leaders coming together to celebrate and support athletes.

He appealed to sponsors and the corporate community to come onboard and support karate, emphasising that government subvention alone is not enough to fully support the growing demands of the sport, especially international participation and athlete development.

“We appreciate the support from government and the BNSC, but the needs of the sport continue to grow. We appeal to sponsors to partner with us in developing athletes and giving them exposure at continental and world level competitions,” he added.

For his part, BNSC director of sport development, Peaceful Seleka said karate never disappoints, the results speak for themselves, and the sport continues to make the nation proud.

Gold medalists: Centy Kgosikoma (senior female kata), Kutlo Thomas (senior male kata), Lethabo Sekano female kumite (-68kg), Lesika Motswagole female kumite (-50kg) and Tshegofatso Chepete female kumite (-55kg).