Matlhatsi rules the table tennis roost
Calistus Kolantsho | Friday October 17, 2014 14:20
Matlhatsi told Mmegi Sport this week at Sir Seretse Khama Barracks (SSKB) recreation centre that playing table tennis was the last resort after losing interest in football due to short height.
Matlhatsi was born in Molepolole in July 4, 1984 and he is the third born child of Philip and Salvina Matlhatsi.
He started his primary school at Kutlwano and proceeded to do his junior secondary education at Moruakgomo in 1998. It is at junior secondary school that Matlhatsi cut his teeth in table tennis.
His cousin, Joe Mokoka, introduced him to the sport when he was doing Form One. Since then, he never looked back. Matlhatsi started showing his true colours at Kgari Sechele Senior Secondary School in 2001 when he was playing against strong players such as Bizo Butale.
“I won my first gold medal during the Botswana Integrated Sports Association (BISA) in 2001 in the doubles category. I was unable to compete the following year (2002) due to ill health. That did not make me to quit,” he said.
Matlhatsi joined the army in 2004 under the corps of mechanical engineers unit. The right-handed player was recruited by Tiro Motswasele to join BDF club after his brilliant display during the army units’ competition in 2005.
It was then that he started participating in the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) competitions.
Matlhatsi pointed out that he has been dominating the doubles category since 2006 together with his partner, Snow Pitsonyana. In 2010, the duo got position one in the BTTA top 16 competitions and Matlhatsi also got second position in singles.
Last year the player won the BDF Open tournament in singles category before winning the BTTA Top 16 in December. Such brilliant performance gave him a ticket to be selected into the national team.
“My good display continued at the Zone Six competition that was held in Zambia in January when I scooped a bronze medal in doubles event. In April I was part of the national team that took part in the World Table Tennis championships in Japan. Our participation was part of our preparations for the Glasgow Commonwealth Games,” said Matlhatsi.
He pointed out that Asian countries are power houses when it comes to table tennis and playing there gave them good practice. He added that they learnt techniques, serving and ball control. The team did not do well at Commonwealth Games but Matlhatsi said they gained exposure.
BTTA league kicked off in September and Matlhatsi is currently in the second position after Bonolo Mabote. He explained that they have the same points and scores only separate them.
Matlhatsi dominated the BDF Open in June winning singles, doubles and mixed doubles. It is clear that table tennis runs in the Matlhatsi’s family because he won the mixed doubles with his sister, Salome who also plays for BDF club.
Matlhatsi went on to win the New Horizon Open in August. Meanwhile, Matlhatsi said for one to make it in sport, they should have determination, discipline and dedication.