The categories likely to attract more attention are the senior male karateka, senior female karateka, coach and federation of the year awards. The senior male karateka of the year pits Ofentse Bakwadi, Oratile Caiphus and Lemogang Koolopile. The rivalry between Bakwadi and Caiphus is well known. The two were at loggerheads when BOKA was supposed to submit its candidate for the Botswana National Sport Commission (BNSC) awards. Caiphus lost out to Bakwadi although he felt that he deserved to be the nominee. Koolopile is seen as a potential party spoiler. He said nomination along Caiphus and Bakwadi alone, was a big achievement.
“This is the best feeling ever. I do not know how to explain it. Those two are no doubt the best in the country and being nominated in the same category with them is a motivation. It is an indication that my hardwork is being recognised. This is the best thing to happen to me in my karate life this year,” said an excited Koolopile. Lame Hetanang goes head-to- head with Merylin Manthe for the senior female karateka of the year award. Hetanang had a good year winning a kata gold medal at the Zone VI tournament while Manthe also scooped gold for kumite at the same competition.
