Maloka cautiously in sight of glory
The country’s top-ranked table tennis player, Bakang Maloka believes all is in his hands to win the maiden Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) Super League. The Moshupa Spinners player ended the first round at the top of the Super League log standings, as he is unbeaten in the seven games played. Maloka has won a charttopping 28 sets whilst he lost only six as he has accumulated 14 points.
The player has dominated the local ping-pong scene as he attained his maiden number one rank a year ago, in February 2021.
The 25-year-old entered the Super League as the country’s number one ranked player and is proving his mettle. Speaking to Mmegi Sport, Maloka said it was too soon to pop the champagne bottles as he admits the competition gets tougher with each round of games. “It is difficult because I play with Botswana’s top eight players who are the country’s best. When playing every week you have to be mentally and physically fit for top players. Playing every week also helps in preparations for big tournaments.
The secret is to prepare myself mentally and physically every time I train. Yeah, I can maintain the pressure because I have the slightest advantage as my number two has lost two games,” Maloka said.
He recalls his Super League debut as his toughest match thus far. He was up against fellow Spinners’ teammate, Masa Lesole and walked away as a 4-2 winner. “My toughest match was the first because I had no experience in the league and the guy I was playing with was the former Botswana number one,” he said. In second place is BDF Club’s Tshenolo
Mooketsi with 12 points
while fourth-ranked Tirelo Tshipinare of Nhabe Club is third with 11 points. The country’s secondranked Boago Malobela is having a torrid time on the table as he sits bottom with just eight points. The Smash Maniacs’ player has won only once in the first round and lost six times.
In the women’s section, the top-ranked Tshepiso Rebatenne of Nhabe Club is dominating the table. She concluded the first round at the top with 14 points, as she remains unbeaten. In the second spot is Olorato Ramagapu of Maniacs with 13 points while BDF’s Constance Kuswani is third with 12 points. It is a closely contested battle in the women’s category and the second round is expected to produce the same fireworks.
The newest BTTA competition only features players who finished in the top eight from the 2021 season and will battle for a P5,000 prize. The second round of the Phoenix Assurance Botswana sponsored tournament kick-started on Wednesday and the Super League ends in April. The games are played on selected days midweek and weekends, and spectators are allowed access free of charge.