Kofukan vows to retain national karate title

Calistus Kolantsho | Thursday November 30, 2017 16:48

 

Kofukan coach, Sensei George Tshikare told Mmegi Sport yesterday that morale is high in the camp. He said the intention is to retain their title. He said the interesting twist is that last year’s opponent, Sensei Peter Molefhe has crossed the floor and is now the kofukan team coach.

He said Molefhe’s switch makes their planning easier. Tshikare said they would field a very competitive team for the championships.

Hayashi-Ha coach, Shihan Mpho Bakwadi is excited about the competition. He said his charges are ready and want to wrestle the title from Kofukan.

“We met Kofukan in the finals: we won kata and they walked away with kumite. This time around we have fine tuned our kumite and there is no way they can beat us to the title,” he said.

The three major teams that are expected to cause sparks on the tatami are from Shotokan, Hayashi and Kofukan.

BOKA president, Sensei Tshepho Bathai said 20 teams were expected to have registered by the time of deadline, which was yesterday.

“The aim of the club championship is to continue growing talent and build karate clubs. This is the only BOKA Championship where local clubs compete against each other. We expect about 36 officials who will manage three rings,” Bathai said. As a way of empowering officials, Bathai said the association held an accreditation course in September and about 75 officials attended.

Meanwhile, BOKA annual awards will be held Saturday evening at the Cresta Lodge immediately after the club championships.