Junior tennis grows in Phikwe

He explained that while focus has largely been on junior players in Selebi-Phikwe, the tournaments will cater for other regions. He is organising a junior tournament next month for the schools' winter break. The tournament will draw participants from other regions, including Francistown and Gaborone. Phikwe Tennis Club is said to have one of the best junior programmes in the country.

Sibanda said he was impressed with what he saw during last weekend's Jumbo-sponsored junior tournament in Phikwe. 'The standard of play was high. We managed to have two players from Francistown and we hope to attract players from other regions in future,' he said. Twenty-nine players took part in the tournament although only eight girls turned-up.

The tournament was played in a round robin format with four groups in the boys' section consisting of five players each.

Two top players from each group made it to the quarterfinals. In the girls' section, the players were divided into two groups of four each, with the top two advancing to the semi-finals.. Khumo Lenchwe was crowned the girls' champion after outclassing Gaolekwe Okolopile 8-1 in a one-sided final. Meggan Ellithoone came third after beating Lesego Moeba 8-2 in a pro-set. In the boys' section, rising star, Christian Van Kierk once again ruled the roost with a masterful display after defeating Itumeleng Legwete 6-1, 6-4 in an exciting final. Van Kierk's star continues to rise as he has represented the country in the Under-13 section and won numerous individual titles.

Tshupho Mbizo, who was the tournament's most improved player, won the bronze medal after beating Pako Mbeleka 8-5 in a pro-set. The tournament produced upsets as favourites, Mpho Mbizo and Innocent Tidimane, who were expected to qualify for the quarterfinals fell at the group stage.

Focus now shifts to the national junior tournament scheduled for July. Sibanda said it is only through such tournaments that his players will be able to gauge their progress in the game. He appealed to the corporate world to continue sponsoring junior tennis. He said the consistent hosting of junior tournaments is meant to ensure a constant retention of talent as most juniors have reached the age of 18. Through such development programmes, Selebi-Phikwe has managed to produce national team players like Itumeleng Lekwete, Marang Khunwane, Boago Lekone and Ushe Setshwaelo. The BTA has embarked on an ambitious junior development programme aimed at identifying and nurturing talent at a tender age. Such initiatives include the mini-tennis programme, which was rolled countrywide.