02 Aug 2016

Emmanuel Mabechu has won this year’s Botswana Junior Tennis Open title after his reign was ended by Thato Holmes in last year’s final.

Mabechu trounced Best Ndebele 6-1, 6-3 in the boys’ under-21 final on Sunday to claim gold medal at Notwane courts. 

Mabechu faced Holmes in the quarter-final and sailed through 6-2, 6-2. 

The 19-year-old said his main worry was Holmes who knocked him out last year, but after beating him this time around he knew he would secure the title. 

However Mabechu complained that the windy weather conditions were a bit of a challenge for him. He said he had to strategise to overcome his opponents, who were much younger and had a lot of determination. 

“It was too windy. I usually hit the ball hard but with this kind of weather conditions I had to adjust and play balls into their court,” he said. 

Mabechu also explained that he was forced to be patient under those conditions. 

He also expressed frustration at his training conditions which he said are ‘not conducive’.  

He said he aims to make it into the senior national team and play in the Davies cup next year. 

For his part tournament director Obusitswe Seth said they decided to include the under-21 age category for tournament to help prepare the team that will be leaving for  the African Union Sport Council games in Angola.  “We had previously shortlisted four girls and boys in the camp with the aim to eventually select two boys and girls to represent the country at the games. 

But we have identified new players from this tournament,” he said. 

Seth said Innocent Tidimane, Mabechu, Oratile Lekoko, Thato Holmes and Oratile Mothusi, Tsholofelo Tsiang and Tshepo Mosarwa were also included after a good performance in the tournament. 

He also listed Thandie Kololo, Kelebogile Monnayoo, Neelo Bapile, Tshegofatso Tsiang and Marang Makolo who make the girls team. ENDS