Bathai, Bakwadi spar for BOKA presidency
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday April 7, 2017 18:06
Bathai is seeking another bite of the cheery after being removed from office unceremoniously in 2014. On the other hand, Bakwadi has just completed his term as vice president (technical).
It has been an era dominated by uncertainty through motions of no confidence, which the previous committee nonetheless survived.
It is now up to the affiliates to decide where their future lies between the two men.
Mmegi Sport is informed that styles that are backing Bathai are Kofukan, Shitoryu, Gojukai, Nomichi and Shukokai. Bakwadi has Shotokan, Shitoryu, Mabuni and Hayashi. It remains unclear who Ryushinkan will be backing.
Former treasurer, Lere Basupang has raised her hand for the position of vice president (administration). She faces opposition from Sam Dire. Union Kgafela is unopposed as vice president (technical). Phineous Motseolapile wants to return to the BOKA executive as secretary general challenging Kgosietsile Dibotelo.
Bose Caiphus who has just retired as an active athlete, has shown interest as vice secretary general. He faces Pule Kwelagobe.
Kemmonye Seletamotse, who was in the executive during the Bathai era, wants to return as a treasurer. She is contesting for the position against Mothusi Tsime.
Isaiah Ramontshonyana is unopposed as the public relations officer, replacing Jerry Ditlhong who has been at the helm for seven years.
Presidential candidates interviews
Bakwadi
Mmegi: What would you do for karate if you are elected president?
Bakwadi: My priority is to fix the BOKA hall and turn it into a proper karate facility. I intend to find sponsorship for BOKA tournaments and winners should walk away with prize money and trophies, not just medals.
I am going to propose the de-registration of affiliates who do not meet BOKA requirements.
You find that some federations cannot even send a single athlete to BOKA tournaments and yet they get equal funding with those that bring more athletes.
I am going to make sure that all commissions are fully functional. It is important to have a database of all our members.
Mmegi: Why were you unable to do all these things when you were VP (technical)?
Bakwadi: When you are under somebody, you might have a different view of doing things but unable to turn that into reality because you do not have the powers.
Mmegi: Your last words?
Bakwadi: I am going to continue supporting BOKA even if I lose tomorrow. Karate should be the winner in the end. Karate is special and it should be protected.
Bathai
Mmegi: What is your road map for karate for the next four years if you are elected president?
Bathai: I have come up with BOKA Vision 2017-2020. The vision includes the establishment of BOKA Karate Foundation, finance and investment committee, chief instructors development programme, elite karate academy, amongst others.
Mmegi: Your last words?
Bathai: We are going to work hard to improve on the relations between the BOKA executive, affiliates, BNSC and the media. This, I think is where we are lacking and it needs special attention. Constant communication is what is necessary and I would urge all to support this course and whoever is elected into office.