Karate news

Botswana: Karate World Champs Team Cut

30/09/2006

Due to alleged financial problems, Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) has been forced to remove three karatekas and one official from the team that is scheduled to participate at the World Kufukan Championships in Finland next month.

National team assistant Instructor, Mpho Bakwadi told Mmegi Sport on Wednesday that they are highly concerned about the issue but the reason is beyond their control. The athletes, who have been dropped are Christopher Ponatshego, Kemonewe Relebanye and Nshingi Mosalagae and referee Jonathan Phiri. "Initially, we wanted to take 18 karatekas for the World Championships with the aim of preparing for the All Africa Games next year but unfortunately the number had to be reduced," Bakwadi said. Nine karatekas are currently in camp honing their skills before they leave on 0ctober 8. Bakwadi denied reports that the karatekas, who were dropped were not officially informed. Though he said he was not the right official to discuss the issue, he pointed out that there was no friction between BOKA and the concerned athletes.

He explained that BOKA did not have enough funds to cater for a big number. He said they rely on the Botswana National Sports Council (BNSC) for finances and if the council faces financial crisis then there was nothing they could do as affiliates. He added that it was tough to find sponsors for the sport. "It is not that the athletes did not qualify for the tournament but we had no choice at this point in time," he said. He disclosed that he was against the trimming idea, but asserted that they would try to give their best with the squad currently in camp.

Some BOKA members strongly believe that the athletes were not dropped due to finances but that there were other issues the organisation was hiding. It is alleged that there are factions within the association and it is feared that this might have an impact on the performance of the squad at the coming international events. Reliable sources revealed that the dropped athletes have threatened to quit the national team for good if the association does not keep their house in order.

None of the athletes was available for comment at press time. When contacted, BOKA president Gift Nkwe could not be drawn into discussing the matter as he said he was in a meeting discussing the logistics surrounding the issue. Team manager Solly Reikeletseng did not answer his mobile phone and was also said to be in a meeting. Nkwe's vice, Tshepho Bathai said he had not been officially updated on the issue but he had just heard the news from the concerned athletes.

He distanced himself from the latest development saying he had not seen the technical directors for over a week. He said what he knew was that the team is currently in camp. "I am meeting the technical board and other committee members this afternoon. After the meeting I can give you more information on that issue," he said. Contrary to what Bakwadi said, Bathai said it was news to him that the association did not have enough money to maintain the athletes. "I do not know anything of that sort. It is not true that the association has no money," he said.

Provided by www.allafrica.com

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