A team of 30 young karate athletes from the Nihon Karate Kyokai-Botswana (NKK-BW) have departed for Johannesburg, South Africa, to compete in the prestigious Japanese Karate Association (JKA) Africa Cup this weekend. The highly anticipated tournament brings together top talent from across the continent and serves as a qualifier for the Indo-Pacific JKA Cup, set to take place in Mauritius in September next year.
The youthful delegation received a warm and patriotic send-off on Thursday in Lobatse, where local leaders gathered to express their support and encouragement. The Lobatse District Commissioner, Mpho Mathe, officially presented the national flag to the team, marking the symbolic beginning of their international journey.
Mayor Aron Ganakgomo and Alfred Ditsele, the regional coordinator from the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs, were also present to cheer on the athletes. The trio commended the dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship displayed by the karatekas and urged them to represent Botswana with pride and integrity.
“This is more than just a sporting event. It is an opportunity to showcase the spirit and strength of Botswana’s youth on the continental stage,” said Commissioner Mathe. “We believe in you and we are behind you every step of the way.”
The JKA Africa Cup is one of the most respected tournaments in traditional Shotokan karate, and it draws elite fighters from across Africa. For the young athletes from Botswana, many of whom are competing internationally for the first time, this is both a challenge and an opportunity to elevate their skills, gain exposure, and earn a place in the Indo-Pacific JKA Cup.
Team coach Sensei Kagiso Thipe, who has mentored many of the team members since their early days in the dojo, expressed confidence in their readiness. “They have trained hard for this moment. Their discipline, technique, and determination are admirable, and I am proud of how far they have come. Competing at this level will only make them stronger,” he said.
The Botswana Karate Association and various community stakeholders have thrown their support behind the team, helping with preparations, logistics, and morale. The event in Johannesburg is expected to attract hundreds of participants, with intense competition across multiple age categories and weight divisions.
Should the Botswana team bring home medals, it will not only be a personal victory for the young karatekas but a national milestone for the development of martial arts in the country. A strong performance could see several athletes progress to the Indo-Pacific JKA Cup in Mauritius, where they will represent both Botswana and the African continent.
As they step onto the mat in Johannesburg this weekend, the NKK-BW team carries the hopes of a nation eager to see its youth rise to international sporting excellence.
