BTTA grooms coaches for future glory
Kabelo Boranabi | Monday November 2, 2026 06:00
The association has added 15 trained coaches to its development structures following a five-day International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and Para Table Tennis (PTT) Level 1 Coaching Course held at Babusi Hall in Gaborone from October 21 to 25.
Seven participants attained ITTF-PTT Level 1 Coaching Certification, whilst eight received Club Coach Certificates. The programme attracted five women and 10 men drawn from schools, clubs, and grassroots development centres. However, whilst the qualifications represent progress in addressing Botswana’s coaching development needs, they mark the foundation of international coaching education rather than its highest level.
The ITTF coaching pathway provides opportunities for progression through Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications, alongside specialised high-performance coaching education. Whilst Level 1 focuses on fundamental techniques, coaching methods and player development, advanced qualifications place greater emphasis on tactical expertise, competition preparation, and developing elite athletes. Consequently, the latest investment provides a starting point for BTTA’s international ambitions, although further training and practical experience will be necessary to develop coaches capable of consistently producing competitive players. According to the association, the programme forms part of its broader strategy to strengthen technical structures, nurture emerging talent, and establish sustainable pathways from grassroots participation to national-team representation. Furthermore, the inclusion of participants from Maun, Mabeleapodi, and Gaborone could help decentralise coaching expertise, particularly in communities where access to structured training remains limited. The course was facilitated by ITTF expert and ITTF Africa Participation Officer, Kealeboga Keitseng, who equipped participants with fundamental coaching and player development skills. The seven Level 1 graduates are Obakeng Molaba of Mabeleapodi RBBH Centre, Laone Setsile and Morwesi Moalosi of Maun RBBH Centre, Baosheng Yang of China, Mompati Chabe and Sebongile Six of BDF Table Tennis Club, and Teto Nkele of the Bontleng/Ithuteng Grassroots Programme.
Meanwhile, Tebogo Phuthego Msunga, Madziva Takiwa, Collen Dzvaka, Keotshephile Batsholeng, Chaiwa Modongo, Kabelo Lekoko, Mogomotsi Ralentswana, and Keolebogile Bana received Club Coach Certificates. The coaching initiative comes as Botswana prepares to welcome international youth talent for two major competitions in Gaborone next month.
The country will first host the Commonwealth Youth Table Tennis Championship from November 8 to 9, before staging the World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Contender Gaborone 2026 from November 11 to 14 at the Gaborone International Commerce Park, Choppies Building. With the Commonwealth tournament just 10 days away, local youngsters will have an opportunity to measure themselves against international opposition.
The WTT competition will feature boys’ and girls’ age-group categories from Under-11 to Under-19, providing valuable exposure to different playing styles and competitive standards. BTTA president, Kudzanani Motswagole, has previously emphasised the importance of international competitions in strengthening Botswana’s player development structures and raising the country’s profile on the global stage.
Whilst the upcoming tournaments will test the country’s emerging talent, the coaching initiative represents an investment whose benefits could take years to materialise. Ultimately, the association’s success will depend not merely on certificates awarded, but on whether the newly trained coaches progress to higher qualifications and translate their knowledge into improved performances. For BTTA, the challenge is to ensure Botswana does not merely host international champions but eventually produces its own.