30 Mar 2026

Refusing to be swallowed up by those of other countries represented at the Africa Junior Championships (U18) in Cairo, Egypt, the Botswana flag swung with grace as Ntungamili Raguin once again engraved his name in Africa Junior Championships in the history books of tennis, stamping his authority by winning silver.

Ntungamili, the only Motswana competing, won a silver medal in the boys’ singles after fighting bitterly for 3 and a half hours before narrowly falling to Peter Ogunsakin of Nigeria by 6–1, 6–7 (5), 3–6. In the boys’ doubles, Ntungamili and his partner, Ali Missoum of Tunisia were crowned African Junior Champions after defeating Egypt’s Mohamed Sherif and Mostafa Samih 6–3, 6–3 in the final.

Botswana Tennis Association vice president, Nonofo Othusitse said they were happy with the player’s performance.

“It is no small feat to reach both finals at a continental Championships as one comes head-to-head with some of the finest players who are also highly ranked,” he said.

Othusitse said the two medals represent Ntungamili’s continued growth at international events and also demonstrated the talent that he was.

“Not only did he secure the silverware but importantly, he secured critical points needed for his journey as he prepares for the junior Grand Slams.,” he said.

He said for the association, Ntungamili’s success was a clear indication that it had a great deal of talent within its ranks.

It that regard, he said it was important for them to continue investing in grassroots development and also providing opportunities for players so that they could reach their full potential

Othusitse said Ntungamili would remain in Egypt for three weeks, where he would also take part in the World Tennis Tour Juniors events.

He will compete in the ITF J300 from March 30 to April to 3, as well as at the ITF J500 from April 6 to 11

“We are obviously having high expectations in terms of him achieving podium finishes at these events. We are also excited for him as he has now advanced to playing these top-tier events in the junior circuit.,” he said.

Othusitse said the ITF J200, J300 and J500 tournaments were critical, high-level events for juniors as they transition from junior tennis to elite professional tennis.

This, he said was because the events gave players the opportunity to compete against the best international competition.

Through such events, players also raise ITF World Tennis ranking points which are key to them ultimately improving their world rankings in order to earn direct qualifications for the main draws of Junior Grand Slams such as the US Open and Wimbledon.

“This is indeed an exciting year for Ntungamili, and of course Botswana tennis. We are expecting these performances to drive tennis participation and development. We are expecting more resources toward tennis from all stakeholders so that we do not only sustain Ntungamili’s performances but build a sustainable tennis ecosystem that will produce more Ntungamilis,” he said. ENDS