04 Mar 2025

In their effort to unleash raw and new talent, the Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) and the Botswana National Sport Commission in collaboration with Debswana, hosted the annual Re Ba Bona Ha (RBBH) Junior Tennis Tournament over the weekend in Palapye.

In an interview with BOPA, BTA vice president, Nonofo Othusitse said the event was open to all young players between eight years to under 18. He said the tournament attracted a total of 80 players from Serowe, Orapa, Francistown, Maun, Gaborone and Mahalapye.

The tournament, he said, formed part of the many events that have been scheduled under BTA development initiatives in 2025.

“We are grateful to the RBBH Programme sponsors, Debswana Diamond Company and the Botswana National Sport Commission,” he said.

The tournament, he said, comprised of both boys and girls who were competing in the under 10 termed red, orange and green dot ball. Othusitse said the green dot category comprised of boys and girls under 12, adding that they also had the under 14 and under 18 categories.

The boys under 18 was won by Kgotso Kejakang, Kgosi Tomeletso finished in second position while the third position was claimed by Teo Moalosi. Ditshegofatso Bapaletswe won the girls under 18, followed by Bonno Mogaetsho. The under 14 boys champions is Reagile Pence, followed by Tlamelo Pheko and Tuelo Merafhe respectively.

In the under 14 girls, Ateng Rankunyane was declared the champion, followed by Lelentle Gaotingwe and Atang Mathiba. The Under 12 boys championship went to Aone Ramogonya, silver medal went to Aim Rankunyane, while Loatso Mokaloba settled for a bronze medal.

Meanwhile, (the BTA) tennis is one of the codes that have been doing well in development. Last year in November, Malak Macheng, delivered the first ever ITF /CAT under 14 circuit girls singles gold medal after beating Rutendo Tom of Zimbabwe back-to-back.

Still last year, tennis player Mark Nawa won the Singles International Tennis Federation (ITF) J30 World Tour Juniors title, beating Siyabonga Jaca of South Africa 7-6, 6-2 in a tournament, which was held in Gaborone.

Hosting the Re Ba Bona Ha Junior Tennis Tournament outside Gaborone and Francistown gels well with some of the objectives of increasing the popularity of tennis in all parts of Botswana. Their other objective is to encourage all citizens to participate in playing tennis for recreation and the betterment of their health. ENDS