06 Apr 2025

Seabo ‘Sibo’ Saleshando will be carrying the nation’s hopes when the International Tennis Federation (ITF) U18 Gaborone J30 tournament starts at the National Tennis Centre in Gaborone tomorrow morning.

Maun born Saleshando, who is the number one seed in the tournament, was part of the Davis Cup team when Botswana hosted the tournament last year. It is expected that the Davis Cup has helped him gain more experience and exposure which will enable him to absorb the pressure that comes with being the centre of attraction .

“I know that in the absence of Mark Nawa all eyes are on me and obviously it comes with pressure, but I think I will manage to handle it and do my best,” Saleshando said in an interview, adding that he was prepared for the tournament.

He said he had been training everyday to sharpen his himself, pointing that he knew a lot of his opponents given that he had competed against them in many tournaments.

Botswana Tennis Association (BTA) president, Nonofo Othusitse said in an interview that the association was hosting the event, which is part of the World Tennis Tour Juniors tournaments, to foster player development and improve international rankings of its players.

“We are giving them an opportunity to play these international tournaments right here at home, you will note that Denzel Seetso, Mark Nawa, Chelsea Chakanyuka and Naledi Raguin all won their first world titles right here at home. So, it shows that home advantage really works. Hosting has a positive effect on players performances,” he said.

An added incentive is that players who perform well from these tournaments usually get an opportunity to qualify for bigger juniors events such as Orange Bowl and Junior Grand Slams, Othusitse said. He said they were also expecting players from African countries such as South Africa, Mozambique, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Kenya and Lesotho. Outside Africa, he said they would be joined by players from Britain, Italy, Canada, USA, Czech Republic, Portugal, Ireland, Croatia, France, Poland, and Romania Republic.

Botswana players in the boys singles main draw are Saleshando, Maqhawe Qame, Katlego Regoeng, Kefentse Lekaukau, Reagile Diraditsile, Tyson Anderson, Tinashe Phatshwane and Kgotso Kejakang. The girls singles main draws has Rethabile Moshaoa, Nina Sekonopo, Kagello Malumo, Mbali Qame and Ditshegofatso Bapaletswe. The tournament ends on Sunday. ENDS