26 Aug 2019

Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) has rounded up preparations for the grand final tournament slated for Jwaneng in the first week of October.

Leading up to the Jwaneng final tournament, the association hosted round five and final round of the Road to finale matches this past weekend at the St Joseph’s College. Smash Maniacs dominated proceedings with impressive results in both men and ladies’ categories.

In the men’s singles Smash Maniacs’ Masa Lesole emerged tops ahead of Nhabe’s Tirelo Tshipane. 

Experienced Smash Maniacs’ female player, Boitshwarelo Butale continued her fine form beating Oratile Kedisaletse of Nhabe to the first spot, while Tshepiso Rebatenne trailed the rankings.

In the boys under 21 Agang Molefhe of Smash Maniacs beat Thapelo Molefhi of True Identity and Sean Dekop of BDF to the first spot, while Tshephang Motlhamme of Moshupa scooped the under 21 girls’ category ahead of Lenah Setlhora of Nhabe.

Rebatenne dusted herself up and teamed with Boago Malobela to clinch mixed doubles ahead of Tshenolo Mooketsi and Salome Matlhatsi of BDF.

Bonolo Mabote and Joseph Kgatlampane of Maniacs beat Masa Lesole and Moatlhodi Bakwadi in the men’s doubles while Rebatenne and Oratile Kedisaletse of Nhabe won the women’s doubles.

In an interview on the sidelines of the matches, BTTA publicity secretary, Tiro Motswasele said the tournament was used to gain points for the Jwaneng final.

He said the rankings would also help players battle for national team slots as the top six from the finals would be selected to fight for the slots in the national squad. 

The selected players will play a round robin format until the final team is picked to represent the country in regional tournaments before the year closes.

The Botswana team is expected to take part in the region five tournament in Lesotho in December, while the junior team will, next month, take part in the South African open tournament. ends