Young Ponatshego aims for the karate stars

A full stretch: Ponatshego
A full stretch: Ponatshego

Tlotlang Ponatshego’s shy eyes wander all over the room as if in search of an opponent as the 17-year-old karate sensation settles down for an interview.

He carries the perfect towering frame, which often delivers devastating karate kicks on the mat.  Born on July 9, 1997 in Molepolole, Ponatshego’s journey to karate stardom began at the age of four. His brother, Sensei Christopher Ponatshego introduced him to the sport. He says he started off with Shuko-kai and in 2010 he changed the style to Goju-kai, which he is practising to date.  Ponatshego’s first international appearance was in 2007 when he participated in the Zone Six Championship held in Zimbabwe. There, the youngster bagged two gold medals in the individual Kumite and Kata. “The following year, I grabbed two gold medals in the same categories in Zone Six that was in Mozambique. In 2008 I was part of the national team that competed in the regional competition held in Cape Town and I won a gold in individual Kata and a bronze in individual Kumite,” he says.

Ponatshego relocated to Sikwane village before the end of 2008, a move, which he says, affected his performance. He went on a three-year break only to bounce back in 2013 when he moved to Mochudi and due to dedication was roped back into the national team.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

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