Junior team rains medals at Region Open Championships
Calistus Kolantsho | Tuesday July 7, 2026 10:20
It secured two gold medals and a silver medal, with more medals expected from the Singles competition that was played on Monday. The first gold medal was won by Carol David and Agobakwe Sebetela in the Mixed Under-13 Doubles match on Saturday. A team comprising Stephney Batsholeng and Makanaka Banni were also crowned Under-11 Girls Doubles champions. Brian Mogaladi and Tinashe Dzvaka scooped a silver medal in the Mixed Under-15 Doubles match, who reached the final before finishing as runners up. Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) president, Kudzanani Motswagole, told Sport Monitor that the performance of the team is the outcome of the hard work that goes into development.
He pointed out that they are confident about the project and it is something that they are giving much needed attention to.
Motswagole revealed the country is represented by Under-11, 13 and 15 players and the results are a motivation ahead of the World Table Tennis Youth Contender (WTTYC) that will be hosted in Gaborone in November 11 until 14.
“The results mark another encouraging outing for Botswana’s young players as they continue to gain valuable international experience against strong regional opposition,” he said.
Boitlamo Nkele and Reneilwe Lekorwe put up a spirited performance to reach the quarter-finals, where their campaign came to an end. The South Africa Regional and Open Championships comes to an end on Wednesday (July 8).
The event also includes categories for seniors, Para, and Masters. Motswagole said they will also send teams, both juniors and seniors to the Africa Youth Championships in Ghana and Regional Championships in Harare followed by the Commonwealth Championships that get underway in New Delhi, India.
“Table Tennis continues to make its mark, and my dream for the sport to turn profession one day. “I will not rest until that happens. Our clubs also host tournaments, and that keeps players active, which means active players lead to strong national teams. Recently we just witnessed brilliant performances at the 7th edition of BDF Table Tennis Open Tournament,” he added.
BDF table tennis club players dominated the tournament, with Bakang Maloka emerged as the champion followed by Tshireletso Samuel and Thobo Matlhatsi settled for the third position.
The team: Boitlamo Nandy Nkele, Carol Peengo David, Stepheny Batsholeng, Brianna Mogaladi, Masa Motlhabane, Makanaka Banni, Reneilwe Lekorwe, Thato Kgongwana, Gofaone Dzvaka, Botshelo Sita, Kgotla Thebeyame, Andile Mmono, Agobakwe Sebetela, Brown Sebokolodi and Godileone Bagwasi