26 Feb 2026

Botswana is set to host its first-ever World Tennis Tour events this May, when the country welcomes professional men and women players for the Gaborone M15 and W15 tournaments.

According to Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) vice president Nonofo Othusitse, preparations had been on since early 2025, following confirmation that Romania’s businessman and former professional tennis player, Ion Tiriac of the Tiriac Group would cover the tournaments’ prize money.

Othusitse said hosting two weeks of both the M15 and W15 events meant Botswana would stage four tournaments, with a combined prize purse of US$60,000 (approximately P787,038.27)

“This is a substantial amount that goes directly to the players. We are therefore very much grateful to Èširiac and the Romanian Tennis Federation, who will also be working with us,” he said.

On logistical preparations, Othusitse said a dedicated team was overseeing hosting arrangements, including sourcing sponsorships to cover operational costs such as officials’ travel, hospitality and allowances.

“We will be required to have on site an ITF supervisor, qualified chair umpires, sports physiotherapists, a medical doctor and a medical emergency services vehicle. These are some of the costs we must cover as event organisers,” he said.

He added that the organising team must also meet International Tennis Federation hosting requirements in terms of venue standards and infrastructure suitability. 

Necessary court preparations and overall venue upgrades are expected to be completed before the end of April. In addition, the team is working on promotional campaigns, ticketing and spectator arrangements, as well as comprehensive event security plans.

“Excluding the prize money, we are looking at a budget of P1.2 million for the two weeks to cover tournament operations. In terms of sponsorships, we are not necessarily looking for direct financial contributions,” he said.

He explained, companies could partner with BTA by providing services such as medical coverage, accommodation, transportation, meals, water and sports drinks, merchandise, players’ lounge facilities and security.

Othusitse said while the organising team was working hard behind the scenes, broad-based support from the media, sports authorities, affiliates, corporates and the general public would be crucial to delivering world-class events.

“These are international tournaments, which means they will attract players from across the globe, especially entry-level professionals and rising talents such as Ntungamili Raguin, as well as college-based players like our very own Ekua Refilwe Youri, Chelsea Chakanyuka, Batsomi Marobela, Mark Nawa and Esi Molefe,” he said.

He expressed confidence in their hosting capacity, noting that in recent years, BTA had successfully staged International Tennis Federation and Confederation of African Tennis events, including back-to-back Davis Cup ties and the African Junior Championships.

Between the professional tournaments, Botswana will also host World Tennis Tour Juniors events in April, which Othusitse said would further prepare administrators and officials.

“We need to emphasise that these events are a crucial stepping stone toward higher-level professional tennis and ultimately the Olympic Games for our players. For our players, the Olympic journey starts here. This is how we make qualification for the Olympics,” he said.

In terms of broader benefits, Othusitse said hosting the tournaments would provide competitive opportunities, ranking points and prize money prospects for local and regional players, boost nationwide tennis participation and align with BTA’s vision to grow the sport at professional, competitive and social levels.

He added that the events would also bring valuable global exposure to the landlocked nation. BOPA