Poane continues to make history
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday October 27, 2025 06:00
The high-flying local tennis player is now on the way to being promoted to the silver tier. The feat, which takes her a step closer to the gold, follows a review of her work rate and performance in the annual review conducted by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) and Women’s Tennis Association (WTA). The bronze badge is an international umpire certification awarded by the joint programme of the ITF, ATP, and WTA.
Speaking to MmegiSport, she said the achievement is significant.
“What does it mean to me? Well, honestly, a lot because it is the most difficult hurdle to overcome that I have had in my career, as it took a lot of hard work, dedication, and more hard work.
“The journey involved preparation for school, the amount of experience I incurred over the years, to get to the level where I am bronze badge-ready,” Poane explained.
She boasts of a strong record of officiating at the 2024 Paris Men’s Olympic Finals, 2024 Women’s French Open Finals and Wimbledon.
She is also a recipient of the 2024 Botswana Sport Awards umpire/referee award.
Poane said she cannot pinpoint what really goes into becoming a bronze badge chair umpire, but it could be all the work she put in, her track record and her dedication.
“It has not sunk in yet about being a Bronze Badge umpire. When I got my White Badge, it took two years to believe it and recognise myself as a White Badge (umpire). I am proud of my achievements,” Poane said.
“All the sacrifices and time have fully paid off. I hope to inspire the next generation of officials. I (too) was inspired by someone to be where I am, and now I have new inspiration. Who knows? Maybe one day I end up as a Gold badge chair umpire.”
She said the big challenge of being a tennis umpire in Botswana and Africa is the lack of sufficient tournaments.
Meanwhile, Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) president, Oaitse Thipe said Poane has set the bar high.
He said the achievement happens at a time when the BTA is preparing to have 12 weeks of international tennis tournaments.
Thipe added there will be close to 40 weeks of professional events in Southern Africa which will ensure sustainable jobs of officiating.