29 May 2025

Francistown College of Training and Vocational Education will transform into a hub of junior tennis action from today to Sunday, as the Express Tennis Academy hosts its Francistown National Open Junior Championships 2025. 

The three-day national ranking tournament will see Botswana’s top junior tennis players battling it out for valuable national ranking points and coveted medals. The tournament director, Shathiso Makhumalo confirmed that the event would attract players from across the nation.

Representing various clubs, the competitors include teams from Notwane, Oodi, Gaborone Tennis Club, Free Stars Academy, Mahalapye, Orapa, Maun, Umakhadeni Tennis Academy (Bulawayo), Express Tennis Academy, Banana Tennis Club, and Young Exploits Academy. This year’s competition features a diverse range of age groups, encompassing U/18, U/14, U/12 boys and girls, Under 10 Red, Orange, and Green Dot ball categories, and special divisions for Under 21 and Under 16 players with intellectual disabilities.

While the tournament is a significant platform for showcasing Botswana’s junior talent, Makhumalo highlighted that the event was without a sponsor and would not feature prize money. Instead, he said the focus would be on providing valuable national ranking opportunities and recognising the achievements of the young athletes with medals. 

The tournament marks a step towards fostering a strong competitive environment for junior players, offering them an excellent chance to gain experience and earn national rankings for the future. The event promises to be a thrilling display of skill and athleticism, showcasing Botswana’s next generation of tennis stars. ENDS