Karate team in frantic search for international friendly
Mosah Mokganedi | Wednesday April 16, 2014 10:53
Seru has said that for the team to do well in the games next month, it needs an international friendly. Although some of the karatekas have excelled locally and in Zone VI competitions, he is not sure how they will cope at the continental event.
He said most of the team members have only competed in regional competitions and will face karatekas from the rest of Africa for the first time.
Seru said they have been trying to secure friendly matches with countries outside Southern Africa in vain although they have not lost hope.
He emphasised the need for team to be exposed to different playing surfaces.
“When we were at the South African Open, I could see that my karatekas were confused by the set-up,” Seru said.
Nevertheless, the team of eight boys and six girls has been able to follow the training programme successfully, he said.
It has done well in regional competitions and is looking forward to the continental games. Some of the medal hopefuls in coach, George Tshikare’s side are high riding Zone VI champions, Khaya Groth, Thabang Setshego, Tlotlang Ponatshego and Gomoloemo Mabolokane. Groth is a double bronze medalist at the Seventh Commonwealth Karate Championship while Setshego has won gold at the World Kofukan tournament. Ponatshego won a silver at the South African Open, while Mabolokane got gold.
Girls
Wame Senaise (team kata)
Wathuto Maake (Under 48 kg)
Rejoice Mothibi (under 51kg)
Panaki Thoolebe (plus 69kg)
Thato Kgosikoma (team kata alongside Wame and Gomolemo)
Boys
Katlego Tshenene (under-61 kg)
Maatlaaone Thebeng (plus 76 kg)
Phillip Revaka, Leonard Modise and Tshepo Baumake (team kata)
Manger: Seru
Head coach: George Tshikare
Assistant coach: Goitseone Mongologa
Games Venue: Boipuso Hall