Official hails inaugural table tennis league
Teichler Rankoa | Tuesday December 9, 2014 12:11
The league commenced in September and culminated with the awards ceremony in Gaborone over the weekend.
Motswagole said they had long wanted to introduce the league but were frustrated due to lack of sponsors.
“After many years of trying to get the league off the ground, we finally kicked off the Celiat Table Tennis League on September 24 this year and we would like to thank Celiat and Vision Sports.
“Without them we could not have managed to start the league,” Motswagole said. He said there were Doubting Thomases who did not believe the competition would succed.
“Most people did not trust us, including those we approached for sponsorship. However, this did not discourage us as we continued knocking on doors of different companies,” Motswagole stated.
He said players who participated in the league were those ranked in the top eight in 2013 as they wanted the games to be competitive.
The official said the competition was held in line with the International Table Tennis Federation standards, adopting two rounds singles model where players in both men and women sections played 14 games each.
On the day, 15 players actually made history by playing in the first ever Celiat BTTA league.
In the women’s category the players were Namibo Mbulawa, Lovie Chilisa, Boitshwarelo Butale and Phemelo Gaborapelwe all from Smash Maniacs.
There was also Oabona Raditloko from Dithubaruba, Matshediso Osi from Smashers and Tshepiso Rebatenne from Nhabe.
The following players were in the men’s category: Bonolo Mabote, Kola Modisathebe, Joseph Kgatlampane (Smash Maniacs), Kennete Santudu, McDonald Qalinge (Nhabe), Tshoka Phiri (Dithubaruba), Rorisang Raesima (Kanye) and BDF’duo of Thobo and Salome Matlhatsi.
Mabote and Butale were crowned champions in their respective categories.
A contented Motswagole said in conclusion that because of the calibre of the players, the league was tough and entertaining.
“I would like to personally express my sincere gratitude to our sponsors and all stakeholders, including the media who helped publicise our league.
I can assure you that the second season will be bigger and better,” Motswagole said.