Setshego Bags Gaborone Karate Open
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday April 11, 2016 14:55
It is the third year, Setshego has gotten the better of Reed this time around after meeting him in the national team qualifications. It was not an easy win during the finals of the national team which he won by a slim margin of 2-1. Setshego qualified for the Gaborone Open final after going through two tough opponents. Setshego told Monitor Sport after the fight that despite overcoming Reed in previous occasions, his opponent came up with a new game plan.
“I did not take him lightly just because I had beaten him before. I did not want to make mistakes that would have cost me the match,” he said.
He said the competition was tough because he had to fight tough opponents on his way to the final. He said since the tournament was open, grading was not done according to weight. Setshego said that made him to work harder.
For his part, Reed said fighting Setshego has been frustrating. He said the karateka is unstoppable and that makes his life difficult.
“I know what I am capable of doing, but when you fight someone many times and he continues beating you, it’s frustrating. I have realised that my mindset is letting me down. I have to go back and work on my weakness,” he said.
Reed said his technique is perfect, but his physical fitness is not up to scratch. The championship was also attended by karatekas from South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Other results:
Boys inter kumite (10 years): Motheo Moipolai (gold).
Boys kata (12 years): Martin Motseke (gold), Olorato Ngwebula (silver).
Boys kumite (7 years): Alex Abraham (gold)
Boys kumite (6 years): Wenzi Macala (gold).
Girls kumite (10 years): One Sechele (gold).
Girls kata (13 years): Gaone Ramaeba (gold), Masego Ketshabile (silver).
Girls kata (10 years): Moratiwa Mponang (gold), Oneah Topolelo (silver).