Karate team surpass medal target

Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday June 6, 2017 15:45

The team won two gold, two silver and three bronze medals. The championships were held in Yaonde, Cameroon.

The target that was set by Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) was four medals. Ofentse Bakwadi won a gold medal in individual men’s kata while Thabang Setshego brought home a silver medal in the men’s individual kumite, Under-60kg category. The only woman in the team, Lame Hetanang won a silver medal in the women’s individual kumite, Under-50kg category. Oratile Caiphus won a bronze medal in the men’s individual kumite, Under-75kg section. Philip Raveka bagged two bronze medals in the men’s 16-17 years kata and kumite categories. Men’s kata team that comprised Bakwadi, Raveka and Mahammed Ali Hussain finished in the top spot, thus bringing home a gold medal.

BOKA president, Tshepho Bathai said the results from the UFAK championships are an indication that they are on the right track. He said it means more training is needed. He said surpassing the target is a motivation and should be used as a yardstick ahead of the upcoming Region V championships scheduled for Maputo, Mozambique later this month.

“As much as this is a good performance looking at our history, we need more to match countries like Egypt, Tunisia and Algeria,” he said.

The 2017 UFAK championships attracted 20 nations with 185 competing for the podium finish. The Botswana team is expected back home tomorrow.