Glasgow bound Matlhatsi grabs triple gold

Thato Kala | Wednesday July 2, 2014 06:59

 

The BDF Table Tennis Club ace was in top form, justifying his inclusion in the team that will represent the country at the Commonwealth Games later this month in Glasgow, Scotland.

Matlhatsi beat Macdonald Qalinge with so much ease in the men’s final before bagging gold in the men’s doubles where he teamed up with Tirelo Tshipinare to overcome Keromemang Chise and Welcome Tema. His third gold came from the mixed doubles where he formed a strong team with Salome Matlhatsi to beat Smash Maniacs duo of Tshepo Modisane and Matshidiso Osi.

In the women’s final, Botswana’s number one, Boitshwarelo Butale crashed to a 4-3 defeat at the hands of her unyielding national teammate Tshepiso Rebatenne. 

The two national team players went all the way to the final in the weekend tournament that was also used to prepare the national team for the Commonwealth Games later this month. 

Rebatenne admitted after the game that beating her Smash Maniacs rival, Butale, was a tough assignment.

“It was tough, but I had a great game. I did not think it would go my way, but I am glad I got it because winning against Bizo is such an achievement,” Rebatenne said.

This was not the first time Rebatenne beat her rival after her triumph in the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) first tournament of the year. At the time, Rebatenne was ranked number eight in the country. She believes the weekend win is a good omen for her ahead of the Commonwealth Games. The Games start on July 23 and end on August 3.

“This is good for me ahead of the Commonwealth Games. I really look forward to doing well there,” she said.

Butale got consolation when she won the women’s doubles. Together with Lovie Chilisa they edged out Phemelo Gaborapelwe and Matshidiso Osi in the doubles.