Low turn-out at soldiers' tennis event

MOSAH MOKGANEDI
Correspondent | Tuesday July 8, 2008 00:00

ESALO liaison officer Montwedi Simon said yesterday that some countries that had confirmed participation pulled out at the 11th hour citing financial reasons. He added that it is important that countries turn-up in large numbers because the competition has not been held for a long time. He said the competition would go on as planned though he was worried that there would be less competition, as there are only four entrants.

ESALO is a regional body in charge of military games. Nine countries were expected for the ESALO tennis tournament, which will be opened officially today at the University of Botswana (UB) Stadium. Besides hosts Botswana, the other participants are Lesotho, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The tournament is supposed to be held annually but this has not been possible. Simon is hoping that the tournament will be sustainable after its revival this year. Six men and six women are representing Botswana in this year's edition.

Nelson Gabofiwe, Peter Molome, Kelebogile Lesole, Neiso Medupe, Reetsang Seilo and Lashane Madubeko will represent Botswana in the men's competition, while the women's team has Charity Sekao, Gaone Modisane, Lesego Keongadile, Dimakatso Tom, Gaone Poane and Maipelo Moupo.

Meanwhile, the Botswana team coach Boikobo Gaolebale does not have a problem with the fact that only four countries will take part in the competition. He said that Lesotho, South Africa and Zimbabwe are the strongest in the region and Botswana expects tough competition from them.

He added that the poor turnout is a motivation for Botswana to work harder. He said they have prepared well and they are ready for the challenge. Though the competition has not been held for years, Gaolebale said his teams have been active, taking part in local competitions. He said that they have picked the best players from the four BDF garrisons.

He added that winning will not be a problem as they know the players they are going to face. 'We will make sure that the trophy remains here. I trust all my players and I am hopeful that they will not disappoint,' Gaolebale said.