Phatsima, squash’s little dynamite

Breaking new ground: Phatsima
Breaking new ground: Phatsima

Squash is considered a game of the elite members of the community and locally, it does not attract a lot of spectators during competitions. But within this minority of squash lovers, there is Ramotswa native, Naomi Neo Phatsima who is making remarkable progress in her early career in the sport.

The 16-year-old was part of Team Botswana, which participated at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games in the United Kingdom this year. Phatsima reached the women’s plate singles quarterfinals. She has been selected to be part of the national team that will play at the All-Africa Senior Championships to be held in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe in November. Phatsima is one of the rising talented players trained by Koketso Ntshebe at Alpha Squash Academy in Phakalane.

Phatsima told Mmegi Sport that her classmates kept her interested in squash as she would spend time watching them and learning from their sessions. “I have never played any other sport besides squash. I started playing this sport when I was 10-years-old while in Standard 5. I have not achieved a lot at the moment. Representing Botswana at the Commonwealth Games at a young age was a big thing for me and I aim to continue working hard. I learnt a lot at the Commonwealth Games and I had an opportunity to see top players that I always see on television,” she said.

Editor's Comment
Congratulations Anicia Gaothuse!

The contest had 10 beautiful young girls as finalists and unfortunately only one could wear the crown.The judges picked Anicia Gaothuse. To all those who feel their contestant should have won ahead of Anicia for whatever reason, hardly; the judges found Anicia to be the best among the best, so desist from disrespecting our newly crowned queen on social media or anywhere else, for that matter! Each of the 10 beautiful young women had supporters...

Have a Story? Send Us a tip
arrow up