Donga wins Francistown junior tennis tourney
Lesedi Mkhutshwa | Friday October 4, 2019 10:41
The tournament attracted 75 players, with Donga winning 14 medals, to beat seven other local clubs from Gaborone, Serowe and Orapa.
The tournament was divided into different categories of red, orange and greens balls as well as Under-12,14 and 20.
Angel Chongwe and Khumiso Morolong scooped position one under the red balls set for girls and boys respectively. Sibusiso Qame of Cross Courts Tennis Academy emerged as the best player after beating Oabona Koobatlele of Notwane Club with two sets to one in the Under-18 boys category.
The tournament’s Local Organising Committee chairperson, Lashani Madubeko, who is also Donga coach, explained that this year there were no international participants, unlike in previous editions.
He said there were 30 girls and 45 boys from local clubs. He said that over the past years, since its establishment, the tournament managed to attract participants from neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe. Madubeko said some of the Zimbabwean tennis players pulled out from the tournament at the 11th hour for various reasons.
He said due to financial constraints, most players prefer participating in tournaments within their locality, instead of travelling.
He pleaded with the public to provide financial support for the tournament, in order to attract top players from neighbouring countries.
Madubeko said the Francistown Open tournament is a local ranking competition, which determines national team selections.
“The tournament is always held during the Independence holidays so as to keep youngsters away from socials ills.” He said since last year’s edition, they included the veteran open doubles category, which attracted most coaches and individuals.
Lethogonolo Matenge and Mathews Gumbo won the veterans’ category. Madubeko said next year they would introduce an open tournament for both seniors and junior tournament.