16 May 2016

Secretary General of Botswana Tennis association (BTA) says he is optimistic that tennis development is on the right track.

Boikobo Gaolebalwe applauded the International Tennis Federation (ITF) for being the custodians of development especially  at junior development stages.

Gaolebalwe said a lot of work had been done for players under the age of 18. Despite a no show on podium position at the recent Euphemia Junior Memorial ITF tournament in Gaborone, Gaolebalwe said he was impressed by the players performance.

Gaolebalwe called upon parents to be involved and commit in the daily exercises of their children’s training.

He said being part of their children training created an environment in which a parent would know the need for their children in order to progress.

“Some parents are committed to a certain level in which they would dig from their pockets and meet where the association cannot,” he said.

He gave example of young Zimbabwean International Tanaka Chakanyuka, who is based in Botswana. He said Tanaka was a brilliant player and credit to her parents who had been hands on her career.

Gaolebalwe further said Tanaka was exposed to many different competitions, which was facilitated by her parents, most of her tournaments she played in South Africa hence having an edge above local players.

 “We can only do this much with the funds we have been allocated as an association, but it is up for the parents to make sure they advance the kids to that level,” he added.

He said when engaging children in different tournaments with other players abroad or from different regions brings a lot of balance to a player.

However, Gaolebalwe said some parents had managed to facilitate for their children hence some had been inducted at the Potchefstroom, SA sports academy.

He noted the likes of Tsholofelo and her sister Tshegofatsho Tsiang and Tshepo Mosarwa whom he said they  are coming very well to be one of the best the country is yet to witness.

He also explained that pound for pound technique wise, comparing their players to others they are at par if not better. He said the only thing they lack is the match fitness, endurance and mental toughness.

Gaolebalwe went on to say on that regard they need professionals to deal with such issues. Which according to him, those at sports centres and academies are exposed to.

He said currently the ITF, confederation of African tennis are doing a lot of work to support with developing under 18 players. However he said when they are over the 18 age the support turn to be narrowed.

He said there are few competitions at the senior level, which most are self-sponsored. He said at senior level players only attended to tournament, with less preparation done before as compared to the junior levels.

However to rectify the situation Gaolebalwe said the association is still working on ways of closing the gap. He said they intend to have a league and club championship.

He said the intention is to have senior players to be active, a structure that he said they intend to facilitate which will help maintain their performance not to drop.

 Gaolebalwe said the situation have been a worry to the tennis federations, noting that only some countries seem to progress in the sport. He gave an example that to date there is no other African player at the grand slam. BOPA