Nelson Direng
3 July 2009
At least 200 karetekas are expected to slug it out when the eighth edition of the Zone VI Championships starts at Ditshupo Hall tomorrow. However, the Botswana Karate Association (BOKA) technical board chairman, Million Masumbika, told Mmegi Sport that the number will be lower than last year because original hosts Angola will not take part.
He said that Zambia had not confirmed participation at press time. Hosts Botswana will be represented by 68 karatekas while South Africa and Zimbabwe will send 65 and 40 respectively.
Masumbika said that this year's turnout will be lower than the last edition. He said Angola who were the initial hosts would not be participating because the country has channelled most of its funds to the hosting of the 2010 African Cup of Nations (AFCON). "Because of this, Angola will not participate in any major karate event this year," he said. This means that Botswana who were supposed to host the tournament next year would not do so as the idea is to rotate the championships among Zone VI countries.
Masumbika said most member countries are facing financial difficulties owing to the global economic downturn. He said this is a disadvantage to karatekas as the Zone VI tournament prepares them for tougher competitions. "These types of competitions prepare the athletes for both continental and world tournaments," he said. Masumbika hopes that both Zambia and Angola will participate in next year's edition as they are valuable Zone VI members.
The tournament, which includes all karate styles from both junior and senior categories, is expected to start at 8.30am and end at 5pm. For the first time a floating trophy will be awarded to the overall winner of the tournament. Meanwhile the referees' course is expected to commence at 8am this morning at the University of Botswana (UB) Hall.
Masumbika who supervises the course, said it is divided into three stages; training, theory and the practical examination. The examination will be conducted tomorrow during the tournament. He said the course is open to all countries and so far, Zimbabwe and South Africa have confirmed that they will send participants. Those who pass the training will be graded into Kata Judge A and B, Kumite Judge A and B, and Kumite Referee A and B categories.
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