Butale was roped into the Diteemane Under-11 squad in December for the 2023 ITTF Southern Africa Hopes and Challenge Championship held in Windhoek, Namibia. The veteran player has over 25 years as a player and has been a player-coach in recent seasons. 'Bizo' currently heads a Re Ba Bona Ha programme in Mabeleapodi. She joins former national number one, Thobo Matlhatsi, ahead of the regional championship to be held from June 29 to July 1.
The Botswana Table Tennis Association's (BTTA) public relations officer, Tshegofatso Malepa, said the recent change to the technical team was to include a female coach on the bench to promote gender equality. "Also, the new additions are driven by the goal to enhance the performance and competitiveness of our players on both regional and international stages. The newly appointed coaches hold the highest coaching licences recognised globally, including ITTF Level 2 certifications," Malepa said. She added the move also aims to bring advanced training techniques and international experience to the athletes to ensure the best possible preparations. The new-look Diteemane coaching team will select a preliminary squad during the Phoenix Assurance Botswana Super 8 Championship to be held over the weekend at the Babusi Hall in Gaborone. The tournament features the eight top-ranked players with only four spots available per gender group.
