Mabote, Butale win top BTTA awards
Teichler Rankoa | Monday December 8, 2014 11:50
Bonolo Mabote and Boitshwarelo Butale both of Smash Maniacs were the toast of the night when they won top awards.
Both won 13 of their 14 games to emerge tops in the men and women competitions. Mabote won the men’s league and was confirmed champion before the competition ended. His closest rivals were Thobo Matlhatsi and Joseph Kgatlampane who he beat to the P5,000 top prize.
In women’s category, Butale beat the talented and experienced Matshediso Osi from Smashers and Tshepiso Rebatenne of Nhabe to first prize. While Mabote attributes her one loss to fatigue, Butale said she underrated her opponent Lovie Chilisa of Smash Maniacs. “I could have recorded 100% win this year, but I undermined Chilisa in the first sets, when I tried to come back it was already late and I lost 4-3 to spoil my good record,” said Butale.
In the men’s awards, Kennete Santudu of Nhabe settled for silver ahead of Kgatlampane of Smash Maniacs. Osi was second in the women category followed by Rebatenne. Under the special awards category, Kgatlampane was given the fair play award, Marang Ramahobo was best referee, Nanogang Secondary School was honoured for availing its multi-purpose hall to BTTA and league sponsors Celiat Building Construction and Plant Hire were recognised for their commitment to the sport. Teichler Rankoa of Mmegi/The Monitor newspapers was crowned the best reporter in print media category while electronic media honours went to Yarona FM’s Kagiso Phatsimo.
Botswana National Olympic Committee chief executive officer, Tuelo Serufho thanked BTTA for introducing the league and staging a first awards ceremony.
Serufho pleaded with the winners on the night not to sit on their laurels, but to continue working hard to help the league improve and attract many people including sponsors. He encouraged those who did not win to go and work hard to be the best next year.