Table Tennis duo finish the year on a high
Bakang Maloka and Tshepiso Rebatenne finished the year on a high over the weekend, when they won the Phoenix Regional tournament, hosted by the Botswana Table Tennis Association ( BTTA) at Botho University. The pair walked away with P8000 each.
Maloka hasn’t lost a match this year and closes his year extraordinarily with his head held high and looking forward to another successful 2022. “I am truly happy because I haven’t lost a match this year.” Maloka admits that it has been an extremely difficult year despite the wins “It was tough because I had a couple of international athletes with different playing styles which we are not used to here at home,” he said.
“I would say this year was mine because I haven’t lost a match in any tournament. I became the first Motswana male to win a bronze medal at South African championships tournament, and also the grand finale tournament in September, which I won 31k.” Although it has been a great year for Maloka, he still wants to make a huge difference in his career in the coming year, “I hope to stay at the top of the rankings and win a medal at AUSC region 5 games in the coming year.”
For her part, Rebatenne couldn’t contain her excitement. “I am super excited because I achieved what I have been dreaming for, all I ever wanted for a start was a regional Gold, now that I got it, I am targeting continental podium finish, if given the chance.”
Rebatenne said this year was tough for her due to the international experience. “It wasn’t easy, there was too much pressure, the difference is we were here at home, that on its own is a lot of pressure; being watched by the ones who look up to you, you can’t afford to lose focus, you got to be strong all the way and make good impression to the fans, media and sponsors. It was a lot, but I managed. “
For her, winning this regional Phoenix Assurance Regional Championship, was just a cherry on top after winning Phoenix Assurance local Grand Final where she won both the Championship and Life Changing Award.
“I plan to keep my head up next year and attend all tournaments locally; if funds permits, I might attend regional tournaments as well.”
For next year, her target is to qualified for Commonwealth Qualifiers to be played next year, February in India. “There is no rest for me as I am preparing for those games; that’s what I want to achieve next year.”