Mmegi

Botswana’s talent boom reaches the tennis court

Talent belt: Botswana at the Davis Cup Africa Group IV tournament in Kenya PIC: BTA
Talent belt: Botswana at the Davis Cup Africa Group IV tournament in Kenya PIC: BTA

Botswana has made brisk strides in international sport, with athletics leading the charge of a rise largely sparked by Amantle Montsho’s world record exploits in 2011 and propelled to new heights by Letsile Tebogo and Collen Kebinatshipi, amongst a new crop. But whilst focus has been on the track, at the tennis court, Botswana is also cutting and polishing its new diamonds, observes Staff Writer, MQONDISI DUBE

In 1996, Botswana made its debut in the Davis Cup, the official version of tennis’ World Cup. Playing in the now-defunct Euro Africa Group III, Botswana received a baptism of fire in their first match on January 8, 1996, against Kenya.

It ended in a resounding 3-0. Michael Judd, Gavin Jeftha, and Thato Kgosimore were tasked with representing the country in that match. Judd and Jeftha handled the singles duties whilst the latter teamed up with Kgosimore for the doubles. The following day, it was Bulgaria’s turn to inflict a similar defeat, before Greece did the damage on January 10, 1996.

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That should concern every Motswana. The implications extend far beyond cattle and farmers. Botswana’s beef industry is a critical pillar of the economy, supporting thousands of households and sustaining businesses along the value chain.The loss of access to lucrative export markets has already demonstrated how quickly an animal-health crisis can become an economic crisis.This is, therefore, not the time for complacency, blame, or political...

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