Karatekas urged to take training seriously

Calistus Kolantsho | Monday October 6, 2014 07:00

 

He said the aim of his association is to develop athletes who can bring medals to the country from international competitions. 

He said plans are also underway to accredit coaches. He said by the beginning of next year, all coaches will be expected to have an accreditation certificate before they could be allowed to be in charge of a team or athlete. He said BOKA would conduct the first course for coaches before end of the year. 

“We have sent coaches for international coaching courses. Sensei Soccer Moruakgomo has just returned from Egypt. Referees are important in this sport but it is unfortunate that in most instances they are taken for granted. That should change because we cannot compete without referees,” Bathai said.

He said BOKA has joined hands with Institute of Development Management (IDM) where the institution would provide the administrators with skills that will assist in developing the association. Bathai stated that BOKA executive has decided to come with a holistic approach in all the different areas. 

“We have registered a board of trustees which is an official funds raising arm of the association. We will also be launching insurance scheme for karatekas on Thursday this week. We have collaborated with a certain insurance company,” he said. 

The winners at the tournament walked away with cash prizes and medals. Girls’ individual kata in the six to nine years category was won by Leatle Tlanyala who walked away with a gold medal. 

The second position went to Lowe Boitshoko. Boys individual kata in the same age category was won by Lewis Madibela, Kao Nsala took second position and Kago Motupa came third. Tsholofelo Maduma won the 18-year-old girls’ kumiti followed by Thato Malunga in the second position. The tournament was sponsored by Credit Factors and Discounters.