Karate kick- starts action in Dubai
Unlike other sporting codes that are emerging from the Covid- 19 sports ban with thirst for local competition, the Botswana Karate Association ( BOKA) is expected to compete abroad upon their return to action.
BOKA has already selected a national team that is expected to compete at the karate World Cup from 16 to 21st November in Dubai, UAE. The next month, BOKA will be expected to close the year with a bang as they will send a national team to the Karate Africa Cup in Cairo, Egypt from 3rd to 5th December.
In an interview this week, BOKA spokesperson, Isaiah Ramontshonyana said the association is doing things differently this time because of the COVID - 19 pandemic.
Instead of holding three legged tournaments across the country and choosing the cream that has risen to the top, Ramontshonyana said they have asked their respective affiliate clubs to hold selection tournaments and send the best athletes to the BOKA to determine the national team. Ramontshonyana further explained that some categories may require more athletes in the national team as a pool of more talented athlete might be coming from there.
Furthermore, the BOKA spokesperson said they were wary of the fact that some of the clubs had a bigger pool of athlete than others. “So far, the athletes have already undergone selection and submitted the names, which means the national team is already in training. Thus far, we will be waiting for the final team selection, where thenext national team coach is expected to be involved.” Ramontshonyana said the involvement of the national team coach in the final selection is crucial as they might be able to spot athletes who might be a good addition to the national team, even though they might not have finished in first place during the selection. “You may be aware that categories like U67 kg have a lot of talent and athletes who have finished in second position might still be an important addition to the national team.”
Ramontshonyana further explained that the national team is currently under the watchful eye of the BOKA Sports Development Officer, China Metswi, while the association is still in the process of appointing a national team coach. Quizzed on how may athletes BOKA was planning to send to the high- profile tournament in Dubai, Ramontshonyana said: “We would like to send the whole team, with funds permitting. We will have to wait and see how much the Botswana National Sports Commission ( BNSC) is willing to provide.” Meanwhile, Ramontshonyana said local karate action is likely to return next year.