Young Ponatshego aims for the karate stars
Calistus Kolantsho | Wednesday June 10, 2015 16:03
He carries the perfect towering frame, which often delivers devastating karate kicks on the mat. Born on July 9, 1997 in Molepolole, Ponatshego’s journey to karate stardom began at the age of four. His brother, Sensei Christopher Ponatshego introduced him to the sport. He says he started off with Shuko-kai and in 2010 he changed the style to Goju-kai, which he is practising to date. Ponatshego’s first international appearance was in 2007 when he participated in the Zone Six Championship held in Zimbabwe. There, the youngster bagged two gold medals in the individual Kumite and Kata. “The following year, I grabbed two gold medals in the same categories in Zone Six that was in Mozambique. In 2008 I was part of the national team that competed in the regional competition held in Cape Town and I won a gold in individual Kata and a bronze in individual Kumite,” he says.
Ponatshego relocated to Sikwane village before the end of 2008, a move, which he says, affected his performance. He went on a three-year break only to bounce back in 2013 when he moved to Mochudi and due to dedication was roped back into the national team.
Ponatshego got the nod to represent Botswana in the 14 to 15 years category in Namibia in 2014.
The athlete did not disappoint as he bagged a gold medal in the individual Kumite. He went on to snatch silver in Kata at the Africa Youth Games and a bronze in individual Kata under the 16 to 17 years category. Ponatshego started his primary education at Isang in 2004 and finished off in Sikwane. He went on to do his junior secondary school at Madikwe and before moving to Ithuteng JSS in Mochudi. The karateka is currently a Form Five student at Molefhi Secondary School. Last month, Ponatshego brought home silver medals in individual Kumite and Kata at the 2015 Zone Six championship held in Johannesburg. “To be successful in any sport, you should have a personal coach. The advantage that I have is that my brother coaches me. He is always there for me,” he explains.
Sensei Ponatshego says Ofentse Bakwadi and Emmanuel Bulayani are the only two karatekas in the country who give Tlotlang competition in the Kata category.
Ponatshego believes if his brother works hard, he will be on a different level next year. He says he wants to mould Tlotlang into a world-beater as he has potential.
“Our age difference makes it easy for us to work together. All he has to do is to follow my instructions. He knows nothing and he should listen to what I say,” says Ponatshego. He notes all champions have coaches and follow their instructions.
Full Names: Tlotlang Ponatshego
Date of Birth: 09/07/97
Sport: Karate
Club; Mochudi
Favourite subject: Art and Design