Phikwe, Gabane dominate junior tennis event

MQONDISI DUBE
Correspondent | Wednesday November 5, 2008 00:00

Gabane dominated the Under-8 and Under- 10 sections, while Selebi-Phikwe proved its supremacy in the boys' Under-12 and Under-14 competitions.

Gabane came first in the Under-8 section with Selebi-Phikwe and Anderson Primary Schools in second and third positions respectively. Gabane repeated the feat in the Under-10 age group relegating Molepolole to second position, while Selebi-Phikwe received the bronze medal. Selebi-Phikwe Under-12 boys made a clean sweep in the top three positions, with Innocent Tidimane ousting his counterpart, Mhaladi Mhaladi to win gold. Another Selebi-Phikwe rising star, Mpho Mbiso came third.

Botho Sanki cemented Selebi-Phikwe's dominance with a win in the girls' Under-10 category beating Keamogetse Kesetelemang of Mogoditshane in the finals. Gorata Keabile, also of Mogoditshane, came third.  Pre-tournament favourites Gaborone saved face when Dimpho Legoreng took gold in the boys' Under-14 contest beating Tidimane. Mpho Mbiso of Selebi Phikwe won the bronze medal.  Gaborone dominated the Under-14 girls' section with Phatsimo Ruele ousting compatriot Lesego Mojadife. Tshegofatso Wamakgabana from Mogoditshane was third.

Guest speaker, T.M Seretse said it was commendable that the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) was taking the game to the people - even to remote parts of the country. He said some of the schools from remote areas were represented at the tournament, a sign that tennis is growing.

 'Tennis was known as an elitist sport but that is no longer the case as it is pleasing to note that we have children from government primary schools involved in the sport,' Seretse said.

He added that coaching was offered mostly by tennis clubs but nowadays it is no longer exclusive and caters for a large number of people. More than 250 young tennis players took part in the tournament. Selebi-Phikwe tennis region chairperson, Dikgang Metlhaleng said the tournament offers young players an opportunity to hone their talent.

He said he was impressed with the performance of the youngsters adding that they could compete in international events. Metlhaleng commended BTA for spreading the game saying this will contribute to the growth of tennis.

He said there are challenges facing the sport including lack of equipment, affiliation to Botswana Primary Schools Association and the failure to recognise tennis as a code in most schools.

He urged the BTA to look at these issues which might hinder the progress of the sport.
Twenty-three teachers who recently participated at a workshop conducted by BTA resident coach, Wellington Sibanda were awarded certificates of attendance.