Mabote reclaims top spot but misses World Championships
Thato Kala | Wednesday April 23, 2014 15:29
Mabote, previously suspended from the national team, put up a five star performance when beating Chinese star, Yang Baosheng in the senior men’s final. But the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) said yesterday he will not be considered for the World Table Tennis Championships in Tokyo as entries for the tournament were made two months ago.
The tournament runs from April 26 to May 8. Mabote has been out of national team action since last year in October when he was suspended due to gross misconduct. He missed the two-day Zone Six Games in February in Lusaka, Zambia.
BTTA public relations officer, Lelentle Mokhupuki explained the suspension was only a temporary measure meant to straighten up the player. She said the player is now available for selection, and strongly believes he will be part of the team in upcoming tournaments.
“Bonolo is doing very well and I do not think he is out of the national team. The entries for Japan were done two months ago, but I am sure the technical team is watching him and I believe he will make the cut soon,” Mokhupuki told Mmegi Sport.
A few months ago, Mabote relinquished top position to Rorisang Raesima, who was later dislodged by Joseph Kgatlampane. On his way back to the top, Mabote beat everyone opponent including the talented Chinese ace, Baosheng.
Women number one, Boitshwarelo Butale has also retained her place at the top.
Meanwhile, Mokhupuki said the weekend tournament was used to prepare for the Africa Youth Games and to gauge the strength of senior national team before the World Championships in Tokyo.
“We will be sending a team to the World Championships for the first time. Our players will meet some of the best players in the world - the Chinese, Egyptians who are groomed at some of the best High Performance Centres in the world. We consider such exposure important for our players,” Mokhupuki said.
Africa Youth Games trump card, Peo Thebe continued with his fine run when he won the junior male singles category over the long weekend while Olorato Ramagapu settled for bronze.
Rapelang Raditshwane won the junior girls’ final.
The junior team is now left with one preparatory tournament - the Botswana Open - before the Africa Youth Games next month.