Motswagole voted into Commonwealth exco
Calistus Kolantsho | Saturday February 24, 2024 06:00
Motswagole described the appointment as a significant development for the sport in Botswana, adding that it comes with more responsibility and recognition. “I am hopeful that this appointment will have an impact on the growth and development of table tennis within the country, especially on the development level that BTTA is currently investing in.
By having a representative from BTTA in such a prominent position within the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, it will lead to increased visibility and recognition for Botswana on the international table tennis stage through a voice within the representation,” he said. Motswagole said if he performs well on the international stage, it will be an opportunity for other Batswana to be considered. He said the appointment comes at the right time as the BTTA is trying to expose their capabilities as it prepares to host the Africa Youth Championships in July 2024.
He said the appointment would also position Botswana to be open to opportunities to host more international tournaments and attract investment in the sport. He said there are opportunities to foster collaboration with other countries to exchange knowledge and expertise like the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarship that BTTA is currently enjoying courtesy of the Indian High Commissioner in Botswana.
“By being in a key role within the Commonwealth Table Tennis Federation, it will bring in new ideas, best practices, and strategic initiatives back to Botswana and will be decentralised across the country as the association continues to add more development centres under its belt,” Motswagole said.
He said being on the Commonwealth Table Tennis executive committee is an indication of significant achievement and a testament to the hard work and dedication put into developing table tennis in Botswana. “My appointment has the potential to elevate the status of table tennis in the country, increase participation at all levels, and ultimately contribute to the growth and success of the sport in the country,” Motswagole said. Meanwhile, the BTTA held a junior national team selection tournament in Gaborone over the weekend. The team will represent Botswana at the Africa Junior Championships and Commonwealth Youth Championships that the BTTA hosts in July.
The teams
Under-15 boys: Reneilwe Lekorwe (Smash Maniacs), Thato Kgongwana (Bontleng), Kgotla Thebeyame (Mabeleapudi JSS), and Gofaone Dzvaka (Bontleng). Head Coach: Godirileone Bagwasi Under-15 girls: Gabriella Tsiaka (Maikano JSS), Kgotso Kootsere (Mabeleapudi), Lilian Tsiaka (Maikano JSS), and Asante Motsamai (Maikano JSS). Head Coach: Boitshwarelo Butale. Under-19 boys: Tebogelo Dipebe (Mabeleapudi), Tebogo Kotopo (Mabeleapudi), Kgosi Kabelo (Kopong), Aobakwe Sebetela (Maikano JSS), and Jason Dekop (Nhabe). Head Coach: Joseph Katlampane Under-19 girls: Masa Motlhabane (Maikano JSS), Boitlamo Nkele (Bontleng), Briannah Mogaladi (Bontleng), Tshegofatso Buisanang (Bontleng), and Charity Moleele (Maikano JSS). Head Coach: Solly Tsiaka