Xenophobia hits karate championships

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday April 23, 2015 18:00

 

Sources said Zambia, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, whose citizens have been caught in the attacks, might boycott the championship.

Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) president, David Mathe said although he was unaware of changes in the date and venue, the Zone Six president had hinted possibility of a shift.

“The president informed me that they are yet to discuss the issue, but at the moment it was not yet decided,” he said.

However, a karate official close to the developments confirmed the date and venue change.

Meanwhile, BOKA has appointed coaches for the senior and junior national teams. The teams are preparing to compete in the Zone Six championships to take place in South Africa.

Mathe confirmed the appointment of George Tshikare as the senior national team coach, assisted by Peter Molefe.

The junior national team coach is Otto Tafa and his assistant is Gofaone Mongologa. Mathe said the four met the requirements set by BOKA.

Some of the requirements were that interested individuals should have a third Dan black belt or above and must submit a Dan certificate or licence book as proof of qualification.

The association also wanted to appoint coaches who are not members of the executive committee.

The candidate for the junior team was expected to be a second Dan black belt holder and be able to explain the Bunkai and perform one kata from their style and another one recognised by World Karate Federation. Mathe said the coaches met with the technical commission on Monday to agree with a plan for the national teams.

He said the teams were selected last month and they will also participate in the All Africa Games scheduled for Brazzaville, Congo in September.

“I expect the teams to start training this weekend in Francistown and Gaborone respectively because time is not on our side.

“May is around the corner and we have to fasten our training schedule,” he said.

He said the first training camp was supposed to be held during Easter Holidays.