- Elite Botswana Defence Force-linked club SSKB Karate Club delivered a commanding performance at the BDF Karate Open Championships, sweeping multiple titles at the UB Indoor Sports Arena in a showcase marked by high-level competition, discipline and national participation
GAZETTE REPORTER
SSKB Karate Club, which falls under the Botswana Defence Force (BDF), emerged as the standout performer of the BDF Karate Open Championships held on Saturday at the state-of-the-art UB Indoor Sports Arena.
The club secured the team kumite accolade and produced several individual champions across different divisions.
Lethabo Sekano led the charge in the ladies’ individual kumite category, while Kgotla Maranyane claimed victory in the 84kg kumite class.
In the veterans and masters’ divisions, Ofentse Bakwadi and David Hubona, both representing SSKB, also emerged victorious.
In the younger categories, Barona Cleo won gold in the 16–17 years’ female individual kata, while Tshegofatso Chepete was crowned senior female under-55kg champion.
Other Winners
The Thebephatswa Air Base (TAB) Karate Academy, another BDF -affiliated club, also delivered strong performances.
Reigning national champion Centy Kgosikoma retained her dominance in the ladies’ individual kata category and helped her club secure the team kata title.
From Bakwadi Karate Academy, Africa WKF champion Chris Junior Kgosi won gold in the 12–13 years boys’ individual kata division.
Leadership Remarks
Opening the championship, Botswana Defence Force Commander General Mpho Mophuting, who is also a karate instructor, praised the participation of diverse clubs and styles.
“Unity is imperative irrespective of the karate styles we have, we might differ in federations and styles but what we teach and offer to our students is the art of karate in the general sense,” he said.
He added that cooperation among stakeholders was essential to elevate the sport.
“This calls for us to join forces and elevate the art to new and greater heights,” said General Mophuting, who also urged karate leadership to revisit traditional approaches to development.
He further stated his willingness to collaborate in strengthening the sport.
Tournament Purpose
According to Colonel Nlisi Hobona, the championships are designed to promote karate development and create structured competitive opportunities for athletes.
“The main objective of the Botswana Defence Force Karate Open Championships is to promote the development and growth of karate in Botswana by providing a structured national platform for athletes to compete at a high level,” he said.
Col Hobona added that the tournament also strengthens discipline, sportsmanship, and talent identification, while preparing athletes for regional and international competitions.
Broad Participation
The event attracted a wide range of competitors, including karate clubs, school teams, tertiary institutions, and disciplined forces from across the country.
Athletes across various age groups and experience levels took part, reinforcing the inclusive nature of the championships.