New ping pong king hungry for dominance

Unlike in the women’s category, where the number one spot has seen almost a decade-long dominance between Tshepiso Rebatenne and Boitshwarelo Butale, the men’s has become more like a script from the television series Game of Thrones. The series’ plot centres around control over the ‘Iron Throne’, a seat that has control over the seven kingdoms with a web of political conflicts amongst the noble families either vying to claim the throne or fighting for independence. In 73 episodes broadcast over eight seasons, 20 people have sat on the coveted Iron Throne.

Last weekend, Bakang Maloka climbed up to claim the throne and announce himself as the new table tennis king. The Moshupa Spinners’ player won the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) season opener and toppled Boago Malobela off the top spot. In the last decade, Thobo Matlhatsi, Bonolo Mabote, Tshenolo Mooketso and lately Malobela, have sat on the ping pong throne.