Young Nkele seals senior national team spot
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday February 3, 2026 10:59
The 13-year old proved that she is a force to reckon with, becoming the youngest ever member of the senior national team. She is also a member of the junior national team. What makes Nkele’s rise even more remarkable is how fast it has happened.
She started playing table tennis in August 2022, and in just over two years, she has climbed rapidly through the ranks to emerge as one of the country’s leading young players.
Nkele sealed her place after she finished the exercise ranked number one in the junior categories.
However, one of the longest serving member of the team, Thobo Matlhatsi of BDF table tennis club did not qualify.
Speaking to Sport Monitor, Matlhatsi said it was a tough and intensive competition, because of fatigue on the last day of the qualifiers and the tough matches he played on Saturday.
“My body was not responding on Sunday, there was no coordination but all in all the young players showed character, determination and hunger to wear national colours,” Matlhatsi said.
“I have been a part of the national team for over six years and I coached these young players for almost four years. I am excited about their growth and I am glad to have been part of the process.”
Meanwhile, the selected teams, men and women will represent Botswana at the elite international competitions during the 2026 season.
The national team trials were marked by intense competition and a noticeable improvement in playing standards.
Junior athletes were amongst the standout performers, mounting strong challenges against more experienced players and underlining the growing depth of talent within local table tennis.
In the men’s Singles, Boago Malobela of Nhabe topped the final standings, while Tshireletso Samuel of BDF, finished second to secure automatic selection.
The two players will now join seasoned national team player, Bakang Maloka, completing the men’s squad. The final men’s standings saw Kola Modisathebe (DTTC) placed third, followed by Mompati Chabe (BDF) in the fourth spot.
Emmah Lelatisitswe of Nhabe, emerged victorious in the women’s Singles followed by Nkele in the second position. The duo will join number one ranked Tshepiso Rebatenne while Tsholofelo Gaokgalemelwe (BDF) and Salome Matlhatsi (BDF) competed the top four. BTTA vice president-technical, Kabo Mosarwa, said the competition during the trials was encouraging and successful.
“The selection process was very competitive, and we were particularly impressed by the level of competition from junior athletes, who pushed senior players,” he explained.
Mosarwa said the appointment of the technical team that will oversee the preparation of the selected players is being finalised. He stated that the announcement will be made when preparations for international competitions starts.
The team: Women: Tshepiso Rebatenne, Emmah Lelatisitswe and Boitlamo Nkele. Men: Bakang Maloka, Boago Malobela and Tshireletso Samuel.