Junior tennis impresses in Namibia
The Botswana Tennis Association ( BTA) has expressed satisfaction with the performance of its junior athletes at the recent regional championship in Namibia.
The association noted that many of the athletes who competed have qualified for the upcoming Africa Junior Championships in Togo next month.
The team performed well in a range of categories, demonstrating the promising talent of Botswana’s tennis players.
The President of the Botswana Tennis Association, Oaitse Thipe, stated that the under 14 and 16 athletes performed well at the tournament and represented Botswana with pride.
He noted that the level of competition was high, and the athletes who participated did an excellent job. He emphasized that the BTA is pleased and proud of the team for their performance.
“The team performed very well overall, and many of the athletes will qualify for the Africa Juniors Championships in Togo in February 2024. Martin Seetso was a star, reaching the finals of the tournament. The girls under 14 also did very well, placing fourth out of nine countries. More than 100 players competed in these tournaments,” Thipe said.
“In another outstanding performance, Angel Changanyuka and Malak Macheng lost the Girls doubles semifinals to Jordan Edwards and Charlotte Bower of South Africa. Martin Seetso also lost the Boys Singles Championship finals to Jamie Roux of South Africa, earning a silver medal. Our players put up a strong fight and showed a lot of effort throughout the tournament,” he added.
He s aid B ot s w ana t e ams’ performance in Namibia throughout the competition demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and dedication. Their commitment to excellence has undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the hearts of both fellow competitors and spectators alike.
“The under 14 and under 16 girls teams both finished in fourth place, showcasing skill and sportsmanship that left a lasting impression on their opponents. Although the under 16 boys team finished in fifth place, their perseverance and hard work were on full display throughout the tournament, regardless of the final result,” he said.
Thipe stressed that in regard to the overall standings, Botswana’s performance in the competition deserves recognition. Despite the tough competition, the country placed third in the final rankings, just behind South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“This is an impressive achievement, especially considering the highly competitive nature of the tournament, and the focus now shifts to preparing for the African Junior Championships,” he stated.