Shihan Mpho Bakwadi is full of praise for the team spirit that reigned among Botswana’s 30-strong team in which the older members guided the younger ones to succeed in high-tension encounters against SA’s best
GAZETTE REPORTER
Botswana’s Hayashi-Ha Karate Union team made waves at the Cape Town Open Championships, securing an impressive tally of 11 gold medals.
The team was mainly made up of young karatekas under 10 years old who faced off against some of the top talent from across South Africa in one of the most competitive events on the South African Karate Association calendar.
With over 30 athletes making the journey to the coastal city, the team’s performance was nothing short of stellar. Competing against athletes from South Africa’s various provinces, the Batswana karatekas displayed their growing prowess on the international stage.
Physical and mental acuity
Shihan Mpho Bakwadi, the head instructor of the Hayashi-Ha Karate Union, attributed their success to rigorous preparation and a focus on both physical and mental readiness.
“We focused heavily on a balance between physical conditioning and mental preparation,” he said. “The athletes underwent rigorous endurance and agility drills, along with technical sessions aimed at refining their kata and kumite techniques.
“Mentally, we worked on visualisation techniques and simulated high-pressure match conditions to get them accustomed to competing under stress. Our strategy was to ensure that each athlete entered the tournament well-rounded and ready for any challenge.”
Gold medal triumphs
The weekend saw standout performances across various age groups and disciplines, from the youngest competitors to seasoned seniors.
Among the youngest gold medalists were 5-year-old Camila Rengels who triumphed in the girls’ kata category, and her peer, Kai Mokibe, who dominated the boys’ kumite division.
In the 7-9 years group, Danny Ngakane won gold in kata while Tasima Peters showcased his skills to claim victory in kumite.
Consistency
For the older karatekas, Atang Motshwakhumo was a standout performer in the junior boys (16-17) kata category, demonstrating technical mastery and precision. Bakwadi was particularly impressed by Motshwakhumo’s performance, highlighting his consistency in training.
“Motshwakhumo has been putting in the work, and it was clear in his execution,” he said. “His focus and technical mastery were impressive, and it was great to see him rewarded for his hard work.”
Kevin O’Reilly also made headlines in the junior boys kumite, securing gold after a series of tense matches. His victory was attributed to his ability to remain composed under pressure, with Bakwadi noting that quick adaptability and counter-attacks were key to his success.
Most formidable
In the senior categories, Lethabo Sekano took gold in the ladies’ open kumite while veteran Quinton Mosupieman added another gold to Botswana’s tally in the men’s open kumite, cementing his reputation as one of Botswana’s most formidable karatekas.
Despite the overwhelming success, the team faced its share of challenges, particularly adjusting to the level of competition in Cape Town. “One of the biggest challenges was adjusting to the intensity of the matches,” Bakwadi noted.
“The athletes faced some opponents they hadn’t encountered before, which required them to quickly adapt to different styles of fighting.”
Team dynamics
However, their strong team spirit helped the athletes rise to the occasion. While karate is traditionally viewed as an individual sport, Bakwadi emphasised the importance of team dynamics, particularly the role of the senior members in guiding the younger participants.
“The senior members, like Quinton and Lethabo, were instrumental in motivating the younger athletes,” he said. “They set a great example in terms of discipline and professionalism, and their mentorship helped boost the confidence of the younger participants.”
This camaraderie was evident in the collective support that members of the team provided to each other throughout the tournament, with senior karatekas acting as mentors and cheerleaders for the younger competitors.
Looking ahead
With the Cape Town Open Championships behind them, Bakwadi is already looking to the future, outlining plans to build on the momentum generated by the team’s success.
“Moving forward, we aim to enhance our athletes’ speed and decision-making in kumite while continuing to refine their precision in kata,” he said.
“Our goal is to maintain consistency across all age groups and continue preparing for upcoming competitions, including the regional championships next year.”
More int’l competitions
In addition to technical improvements, Bakwadi believes that more exposure to international tournaments will be critical for the team’s growth.
“We plan to engage in more international competitions to expose our athletes to a wider variety of opponents,” he said. “The more diverse the competition they face, the more adaptable and skilled they will become.”
The team’s success at the Cape Town Open has not only bolstered their confidence but also elevated the profile of karate in Botswana. Winning 11 gold medals against some of the toughest competition in the region is a testament to the hard work of both the athletes and the coaching staff.
Exciting time
“This level of success is an improvement from previous tournaments and positions us well on the international stage,” said Bakwadi.
“It shows that we can compete with the best in the region, and it’s an exciting time for karate in Botswana.”
As the Hayashi-Ha Karate Union continues to grow and evolve, the future looks bright for Botswana’s young karate stars, with many more victories on the horizon.