the monitor

Maloka, Lelatisitswe clinch BDF Open

Bakang Maloka has successfully defended his men's singles title at the BDF Table Tennis Open PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG
Bakang Maloka has successfully defended his men's singles title at the BDF Table Tennis Open PIC PHATSIMO KAPENG

Top-ranked local table tennis men's player, Bakang Maloka, has successfully defended his men's singles title while Emmah Lelatisitswe claimed the women's crown after two hard-fought victories at the seventh edition of the BDF Table Tennis Open.

The tournament, hosted by BDF Table Tennis Club, attracted some of the country's finest players and delivered thrilling contests across the senior and junior categories. During the competition, Maloka reaffirmed his status as Botswana's leading men's player after overcoming a stern challenge in the semi-finals before producing a dominant display for the final. The BDF star was pushed to the limit by teammate, Mompati Chabe, in a gripping all-BDF semi-final that went the full five sets. Showing his experience under pressure, Maloka edged the contest 3-2 to book his place in the championship match. He carried that momentum into the final, where he faced another BDF teammate, Tshireletso Samuel.

However, Maloka was at his clinical best, cruising to a convincing 3-0 victory to retain the title and further strengthen his reputation as the country's benchmark player. The women's competition produced equally exciting action, with Nhabe Table Tennis Club's Lelatisitswe overcoming two difficult opponents on her way to the title. She first battled past BDF's Tsholofelo Gaokgalemelwe in a pulsating semi-final that went long. After an intense five-set encounter, Lelatisitswe held her nerve to secure a 3-2 victory and advance to the final. In the championship match, she met Boitlamo Nkele of Bontleng in another entertaining contest featuring long rallies and tactical exchanges. Lelatisitswe proved too strong, winning 3-1 to lift the women's singles trophy. In addition to the title and prize money, Lelatisitswe also received a complimentary recovery massage sponsored by Ndigra Raw Holistic Wellness Spa in recognition of her achievement.

Editor's Comment
Borrowers need room to breathe

“Every time you borrow money, you are robbing from your future self”-Nathan.W.MorrisBank of Botswana’s latest supervision report shows loans placed on a watch list for potential repayment problems rising to P5.5 billion. These loans have not necessarily defaulted, which means there is still an opportunity to address the weaknesses. Meanwhile, loans already in arrears have reached P5.2 billion. For households, this pressure can mean...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up