The event has paved the way for the visit of global Shotokan Karate-Do International Federation (SKIF) chief instructor, Shihan Manabu Murakami, in May 2025. Shotokan Karate International-Botswana chief instructor, Sensei Steady Basupang, said they had two events, which started with a technical seminar conducted by Hanshi Sonny Pillay followed by the Kanazawa Botswana Independence Cup. “The technical seminar was for members of the SKI Botswana and the objective of the two events was a launch of our major international events. We are preparing for the visit by Shihan Murakami scheduled for May 2025.
Hanshi was launching the preparations and assessed the general state of readiness by the SKI Botswana,” he said. Basupang said Pillay gave them positive and encouraging feedback and the requirements for hosting the Grand Master of such a global standard. “Hanshi has been hosting him (Shihan Murakami) in South Africa for many years. So it is now systems go for us to put together preparations for the visit,” he said. Basupang appreciated the support they received from clubs based in Pretoria and Kimberly who came to participate and officiate. Lobatse-based Nihon Karate Kyokai Botswana brought 14 students and two officials. The team won seven gold medals, 11 silver medals, and a bronze. Basupang said the Kanazawa Botswana Independence Cup will now be an annual event with the hope it will grow with local and international karatekas as well as all Shotokan athletes expected to participate in future. For his part, Pillay told MmegiSport that Basupang visited South Africa twice to lay the groundwork for launching the brand in Botswana.
