In the girls' category, Katlego Gouwe and Koketso Leshope both made the nation proud when they posted good performances to reach the second round. Gouwe defeated South Africa's Menateau Moolman 6-0, 6-4 to set a date with another South African opponent, Bony Davidson. Leshope overran her opponent, Palmina of Mozambique with a 6-0, 6-1 score to surge ahead. She will battle it out with South Africa's Chanel Simmonds in the second round today.
In the boys' category, Thabiso Mabaka lost to South African opponent, Grant Ive, in the second round yesterday. Mabaka is one of the exciting young tennis players in the country. He was unlucky to be pitted at this early stage against Ive, who is ranked third in the continent. The Botswana player is rated 20th in the continent. In the first round, he overcame his Lesotho opponent, Charlie Bohloko 5-7, 7-5, 6-2. Mabaka told Mmegi Sport after the game against Ive that he started the tournament well but faded in the second round. He admitted that his opponent gave him tough competition. Mabaka is one of the players that will take part in the second leg of the ITF Circuit in Namibia from August 6-10. Despite yesterday's loss, Mabaka remains one of the best players in the country. He made a name for himself when he became the only local player to qualify for quarterfinals of Africa Junior Championships held in the country early this year.
