BOKA announces Commonwealth squad

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Tuesday July 12, 2011 00:00

 

The team announced by Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) is dominated by gold medallists from the recently held Zone VI competition. The names to watch in the men's squad are Vicky Majama, Ofentse Bakwadi, Tebogo Molapong, Kaene Kago, Mogakolodi Mothabi, Montshwari Seleti, Moses Jones and Mpho Bosenakitso. Oratile Caiphus had to be dropped because of an injury. Coach Mpho Bakwadi said they will find a replacement for Caiphus. The women's team has Goitseone Mongologa, Tsholofelo Maduma, Baone Radiposo, Thato Malunga, Malebogo Robert, Chedza Makabi and Pearl Ranna.

Coach Bakwadi said the team has been training for a month. He explained that unlike before, they do not have training problems because they now have their own facilities. A recurring problem has been the unavailability of some karatekas because of academic commitments. Bakwadi said they may be forced to drop such karatekas. He said they would use the Commonwealth Championships to prepare for the AAG. He said they expect the team to do well in Australia though they are sending a reduced squad. Bakwadi said they initially had a team of 24 members but this had to be trimmed down because of financial constraints. The team is expected to train abroad before the AAG.