04 Sep 2013

Close to 300 table tennis players from Botswana and South Africa locked horns at the Selebi Phikwe Table Tennis Open Tournament, held at Mmadinare Senior Secondary School over the weekend.

The senior men’s category was dominated by South African players, most of who are in the national team. The final of the senior men singles category was a South African affair, after Botswana players were knocked out in the quarter finals, paving the way for South African players to compete amongst themselves in the finals. Luke Abrahams, a South African national team player, took position one. He was followed by his teammate Terence Mathole in position two.

In the senior women singles, Zodwa Maphanga from South Africa took position one, followed by Dr. Lovie Chilisa of Smash Maniacs in Botswana. Botswana national team players dominated the mixed doubles category, as Bonolo Mabote and Waabona Raditloko came first in the mixed doubles, followed by Joseph Kgatampe and Matshidi Osi.

In the men’s doubles, the South African duo of Luke Abraham and Terence Mathole took the lead, followed Thabo Matlhatsi and Bonolo Mabote from Botswana. Kennete Santudu and MacDonald Kalinge from Nhabe region trailed behind in position three. Botswana’s Tshepiso Rebatenne and Boitshwarelo Butale dominated the women’s doubles followed by the Smash Maniacs duo of Dr Lovie Chilisa and Phemelo Gaborapelwe. Matshidiso Osi and Oabona Raditlobo came in at position three.

The Phikwe Open also featured junior competitions for boys and girls aged 18 years and below. The boys’ singles were won by Peo Thebe while Larona Morapedi from Moshopa Senior Secondary School came in second. The girls’ competitions were won by Gaone Kebudiwang from Nhabe while Laone Mpudi from the national team grabbed the second spot. Winners in all categories walked away with P1000, trophies and gold medals. Those that came in second took home silver medals and pocketed P600 each. Position three bearers took home bronze medals and a cash prize of P400 each.

In an interview with BOPA after the competitions, Mr. Tiro Motswasele of Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) said he was happy that the competitions went well. He explained that the tournament was in preparation for the Zone Six Table Tennis Competitions due to be held in Zambia in December. Mr. Motswasele thanked the South African team for giving the local players a run for their money during the competition, saying the local team was able to get a glimpse of what to expect at the Zone Six competitions later this year.

“We were able to identify our weaknesses and areas that need improvement,” he said.

In conclusion, Mr. Motswasele commended Vision Sports and Hotel Labama for sponsoring the Phikwe Open. BTTA will host another tournament in Orapa dubbed the Orapa Open. ENDS