18 Aug 2025

Seabo Saleshando has once again carried the name of the country after emerging the only player out of seven from Botswana to progress to Round Two of the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 second leg played at the National Tennis Centre in Gaborone on August 18.

Saleshando, who beat South African Michael Gell 6-2, 6-1, said he had a good match in Round One, adding that his opponent forced him to play out his best. He was initially supposed to play against Ishak Mahfoudh, who did not did not show up. He said although he moved to the Round Two, he was aware of fans expectation and pressure, and would try to play to the best of his abilities with a clear mind.

Meanwhile, Malak Macheng just like in the first leg did not live up to expectation as she lost 6-2,6-3 to Zimbabwe's Minenhle Moyo in the girl’s singles. Malak said in an interview that she was tense at the beginning, which led to her committing multiple unforced errors, adding that when she was 4-1 down, she loosened up a bit and started to put her opponent under pressure. She said despite that, she still lost the first set 6-2. Even though she did not do well in the J30, Malak would be heading to Harare, Zimbabwe to compete in the ITF/CAT under 14.

Bashali Phatshwane had to push the Leg one semi-finalist Phuthi Leshoele of Lesotho to the deciding set. Phatshwane won the first set with 6-4, but lost the remaining sets 6-1,6-1. Nelesiwa Tsima lost 6-1,6-0 to Colombian Thiany Benal, Yadah Laletsang lost 6-0,6-0 to Thandiwe Nkala of Zimbabwe. In the boy’s singles, Tyson Anderson lost 6-2, 6-2 to Edilson Rosa of Mozambique, while Reagile Diraditsile lost 1-6, 1-6 to Moeketsi Mokete of Lesotho.

Botswana Tennis Association president Oaitse Thipe said players such as Malak and Nelesiwa were still young, and the tournament served as an exposure for them. He said for the likes of Saleshando, expectation was a win so that they improve their rankings. ENDS