Botswana’s national karate team may not have progressed beyond the group stages at the Karate World Cup, but their participation has been celebrated as an important milestone and a stepping stone for the country’s future in the sport.
Competing in Group B, which included global powerhouses Italy, Brazil, Germany, and China, the team faced formidable opponents in Spain. Despite the early exit, the experience has been hailed as invaluable for the athletes’ growth and Botswana’s karate development.
Competing on the global stage
“Our group was one of the toughest in the competition, and competing against teams like Italy and Brazil was an eye-opener,” said Sensei Ofentse Bakwadi, the team’s head coach.
“Though we didn’t advance, the exposure we gained was unmatched. This was a truly enriching experience for our athletes, and being ranked third in Africa to qualify for this stage was already a big achievement for us.”
Botswana’s Group B lineup was a daunting challenge for a team making its World Cup debut. Italy, the eventual group winner, advanced to the knockout stages, showcasing their dominance with seamless technique and unmatched precision. While Botswana’s athletes were unable to secure victories, they demonstrated resilience and determination against seasoned opponents.
The Women’s Kata Team—featuring Lethabo Sekano, Lesego Masimola, and Charleen Magalie—put up a spirited performance, particularly in their synchronised routines. Competing against elite kata teams from Brazil and Germany, they showcased skill and potential that hinted at Botswana’s future competitiveness.
“This was a learning curve for us,” said kata team member Lethabo Sekano. “Facing opponents of this caliber taught us so much about the level of preparation, mental focus, and technical execution required at this stage. We’ve gained valuable insights that will make us stronger in the future.”
Learning from defeat
The team’s performance in the group stages underscored the importance of international exposure in building a competitive edge. For Botswana, participating in more international tournaments will be key to closing the gap with the world’s best karate nations.
“We have to face teams like these more often if we want to compete at this level consistently,” Bakwadi said.
“The lack of regular exposure to high-caliber tournaments showed in our performance. Italy and Germany have athletes who are seasoned competitors in global tournaments, while our athletes were stepping onto this stage for the first time. The difference was clear, but so were the lessons.”
Bakwadi also highlighted the need to invest more in preparing athletes for world-class events. “We need consistent funding, better training facilities, and regular participation in international tournaments to bridge the gap. This tournament has shown us that we have the talent, but talent alone isn’t enough—we need the experience to go with it.”
Building confidence and resilience
For the athletes, the World Cup experience was as much about personal growth as it was about competition. Competing against teams from karate powerhouses such as China and Brazil tested their mental fortitude, a quality that Bakwadi believes is critical for success at this level.
“One of the biggest lessons from this tournament was composure under pressure,” said Bakwadi. “The stakes were high, and our athletes had to perform against teams that are used to this level of intensity. It wasn’t easy, but they stood their ground and gained confidence that will serve them well in future competitions.”
The road ahead
While the team has returned home without advancing to the knockout stages, their journey has ignited hope within Botswana’s karate community. Bakwadi is optimistic that the lessons learned in Spain will help shape the team’s preparation for future competitions, including regional and international tournaments.
“The World Cup isn’t the end; it’s the beginning of a new chapter for Botswana karate,” he said.
“We’ve proven that we belong on this stage, and now it’s about building on that foundation. Our goal is to return to the World Cup stronger, more experienced, and ready to compete for higher honors.”
Athletes like Sekano see this experience as a motivating factor for their future endeavors.
“We may not have advanced, but we’ve gained something even more valuable—experience and determination,” Sekano said. “We’re more motivated than ever to train harder, compete more, and represent Botswana with pride.”
Inspiring the next generation
Beyond their own growth, the team hopes their participation will inspire young karatekas in Botswana, particularly women, to pursue their dreams. Sekano emphasised the importance of visibility and representation in motivating the next generation.
“For young girls in Botswana, seeing us compete on a world stage sends a powerful message: you can do it too,” Sekano said. “We want this to be a stepping stone for women’s karate in Botswana, showing that we have what it takes to compete at the highest level.”
Bakwadi echoed this sentiment, calling for increased grassroots investment in the sport. “This tournament has shown us what’s possible, but it also highlights the need to develop talent from a young age,” he said. “With more support, we can nurture the next generation of karatekas who will take Botswana to even greater heights.”
A foundation for the future
As the team reflects on their World Cup journey, the message is clear: this is just the beginning. The challenges they faced in Group B were significant, but so were the lessons learned.
“Our participation in this World Cup wasn’t about winning; it was about growth,” Bakwadi said. “We’ve gained experience that will shape our future, and we’re more determined than ever to make Botswana a competitive force in international karate.”
