17 Jun 2025

Tinashe Phatshwane has bagged a silver medal in the boy’s singles’ International Tennis Federation/Confederation of African Tennis (ITF/CAT) 14 and Under Circuit, played at the National Tennis Centre in Gaborone yesterday. 

Tinashe lost 1-6, 7-5, 6-10 to seed one, Namibia’s Johan Theron in a nail biting clash, which was decided in the third set.

The two’s rivalry started during the Under 12 tournaments, when they always had spectators on the edge of their seats with good display.  

Despite the loss, Tinashe remained optimistic and acknowledged good performance from his opponent.

“Honestly, I know how I lost. I think I was thinking much about people who were outside the court and that put me under a lot of pressure. Learning never stops, there is a lot I benefitted and should we meet again, I will play far much better,” Tinashe said.

Meanwhile, Lebone Tlape won bronze after playing against Unathi Sithole from Zimbabwe.

In the Boys doubles, Tinashe and Theron won a gold medal after winning 3-6 3-6 against South Africa’s Mpho Bower and Lebone who settled for silver medal.

Malak Macheng and her Zimabwean partner, Ashley Mhandu won silver medal in the girl’s doubles after losing 2-6, 6-1 to Zimbabwean Rutendo Tom and Ruvarashe Mukunike.

The two-legged tournament, which features Namibia, South Africa, Tunisia and Tanzania started on June 14 ends on June 21.  ENDS