It is said that robbers gained entry into the house the players were sleeping in by destroying the electric fence and the burglar doors. Four cellphones, two pairs of shoes and a pair of jeans were stolen. Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) president, Gordon Modukanele, said that though no suspects have been arrested, they will do whatever is possible to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. He advised the players to concentrate on the tournament scheduled to take place today and tomorrow. He urged them to try to forget the theft as it might affect their performance in South Africa.
Speaking to Mmegi Sport before departure, coach Robert Maabong said that preparations for the tournament went well. He pointed out that they have been in camp since last week and the players have played together almost twice every week. He said that the two tournaments they had this month played a major role in their preparations for the tournament. "We held the Top 16 National Championships on the 3rd this month and Club Championships on the 10th and most of the players who did well in these tournaments are actually the ones that made the team and this suggests we will do well," he said. He stated that other top players that did not make the team gave them match practice on Tuesday. Maabong said that they hope to do well despite the fact that South Africa is the biggest threat in the tournament. "South Africa does not only do well in table tennis but also in other sporting codes and they are once again going to give us tough competition. But looking at our preparations, I think we are going to give them a hard time," he said. He was happy that most of the players who made the team are juniors. He added that the tournament will give them good exposure before the Commonwealth Games.
