Groth soars in karate rankings

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Staff Writer | Friday May 3, 2013 00:00

 

The 16-year-old won silver in kata and bronze in kumite. Meanwhile, the karate team that represented Botswana in the Africa Junior Championships is expected to return home today. Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) had sent four karatekas to the event. BOKA spokesperson, Jerry Ditlhong said from Tunisia that Katlego Tsenene, Groth, Tirafalo Tsimamma and the only girl in the team, Tsholofelo Madumo did their best but the competition was tough.

Ditlhong said Groth's international exposure was handy because he knew what to expect having fought with some of his opponents before. He said beating fancied North African opponents is a clear indication that the good performance by  the youngster was not a fluke. BOKA's challenge however, is to produce more karatekas of Groth's calibre. 'It is critical that we sent more athletes to such competitions in order to give them exposure,' Ditlhong told Mmegi Sport. Recently BOKA invited an expert from Spain to grill local coaches as part of the endeavour to improve the local game.

Meanwhile, BOKA president, Million Masumbika has been elected the third UFAK vice president at the Africa Junior Championship. Referees Mpho Bakwadi and Lucas Rakgampu who attended a coaching course on the sidelines of the competition have qualified to officiate in Africa. They have only been officiating in Zone VI.