Butale, Ping-Pong maestro
their peak at 30. But for Butale, it has been a different case, something she attributes to her passion for the game.
“The secret for me is the passion I have for table tennis; it is my way of life and part of me. I just love it because it completes me hence I do well though I’m still one of the oldest players,” Butale said. Currently ranked No.1 in Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) national rankings Butale managed to collect two wins in two tournaments this year, which were a build up to the Phoenix Grand Finale, which she unfortunately lost at the finals against a resilient Rebatenne. Having won as many titles as possible, amongst them being the 2019 Grand Finale, the 36 year old teacher shares.
“Winning the first Celiat BTTA League and taking part in the World Table Tennis Team Championships in 2014 remains close to my heart. And my worst moment will be in 2014 in Zambia where I suffered a major injury which still gives me a hard time to date,” she said. Her latest exploits at the national team include winning silver and two bronze medals in the team and doubles events during Zone VI championships in Lesotho last year.
World Student games in 2009 were my first major games, 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth games and World Table tennis championship that’s where I met many star athletes and it was more like a dream; that’s where I learnt that sports can change one’s life
Having joined the national team in 2007,Butale has travelled the world, representing this county in many international tournaments. Though she shares that her first national team games, where in 2007, she also asserts that she was part of the national team setup from way back, it’s just that most games failed to materialize and they had to disband most of the time. However, there are moments she cherishes the most about representing Botswana in major competitions. “World Student games in 2009 were my first major games, 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth games and World Table tennis championship that’s where I met many star athletes and it was more like a dream; that’s where I learnt that sports can change one’s life.”
Butale did not despair but kept playing the sport she loves dearly. Though it wasn’t easy since ping pong was not available. For two years, together with friends they kept the fire burning and practiced a lot. “With me table tennis is like part of me; we are like family so during hard times we still met and kept the sport alive in a way.” When quizzed on when she is retiring,Butale replied:“I’m not so sure, santse ke le montsi.”