Some of the players in the squad expected to cause an upset are Seabo Saleshando (boys Under 16) , Rethabile Moshoa (girls Under 16), Martin Seetso (boys Under 14) and Bashali Phatshwane playing in the girls Under 14. BTA president, Oaitse Thipe told Mmegi Sport that players who are based in Gaborone have been doing day camps at National Tennis Centre and the ones in Francistown have been working with their coach. “There is one Under 14 girl, Ditshegofatso Bapaletswe, schooling in a village called Moeng, she was able to make the team despite challenges in tennis facility where she trains,” he said.
Meanwhile, Thipe said BTA will host six weeks of international tennis tournaments in 2023 spread out from April to October, most of the tournaments will be during school holidays. According to ITF statement, the first tournament will start on April 17 and run until the 22nd followed by another tournament that kicks off on August 14 until 19. The third tournament will be played from August 21 until August 26. The other tournament will run from September 25 until September 30. The last tournament is scheduled for October 2 until October 7. Regarding the costs of the tournaments, Thipe said BTA is footing the bill. “Each tournament cost P20 000 that we pay to ITF. We have to pay for ITF referees and umpires and organise playing balls, medic, water amongst other things,” Thipe said.
