Olympic programme divides karate

Calistus Kolantsho | Friday May 19, 2017 11:42

 

The list has left out some of the best karatekas in the country, with the likes of Oratile Caiphus, Mpho Bosenakitso and Tsholofelo Maduma, missing.

The list comprises six women, being, Merilyn Manthe, Thato Malunga, Lame Hetanang, Wabo Annah, Kgomotso Chakabuya and Wathuto Maake while Ofentse Bakwadi, Tlotlang Ponatshego, Teto Wakwena, Quinton Mosiemang, Thabang Setshego, Koolopile Tsaone make the men’s list.

The selection has reportedly sowed seeds of divisions amongst the karatekas, particularly those left out, but who believe they should make the cut.

“We have been sweating for this team and bringing gold medals from regional competitions such as Zone VI but now we have been left in the cold. This is not fair at all. Most of the people who have been selected have never won gold medals at the Zone VI (competition),” said a source.

Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) president, Sensei Tshepo Bathai said the programme is offered by IOC to assist elite athletes to qualify for the Olympics.

Bathai said it was not true that the beneficiaries of the programme have been identified. He said they are in the process of coming up with the names and they are still waiting for the technical committee to submit the recommended list to the executive committee.

“I do not have that list and I believe that the list that you have is not final. We have a meeting tonight (Thursday) to discuss that,” he said.

Bathai said the process of selecting the beneficiaries is simple because they are looking for top six men and women, of which the technical team would submit their profiles and justification. He said the selection panel comprises coaches, technical department and the vice president (technical). He added that the process is going to be transparent and fair.

Bathai explained that this does not mean that the selected athletes are the only ones who will be considered to qualify for Olympics.

“This is just an assistance from IOC to BOKA. Athletes who will be chosen will not benefit twice. BOKA will continue to assist those who are not covered by IOC to qualify for the Olympics,” Bathai said.

He said the list will be submitted to the Botswana National Olympic Committee for further screening. He said the BNOC will choose six men and women from all the sporting codes.