The association is racing against time to raise over P200,000 needed for hosting the tournaments.
BTA president, Oaitse Thipe said the cost of one tournament sanction fee is P20,000 to the ITF, the referee’s fee is P8,000, two white badge referees cost P5,000 per week, and balls cost P30,000.
Thipe said there is an entry fee paid by players but there is still a huge shortfall. He said they are appealing to corporates for sponsorship. Meanwhile, Thipe told Mmegi Sport the new naming structure for junior tennis tournaments was launched in January. He said under the new arrangement the tournament’s grade reflects the number of ranking points awarded to the singles winner in a particular event. He said the J30 tournament was previously known as the grade five (J5).
“The qualifying competition starts on April 8-9, the main competition will be held from April 10-15 and the second tournament is from April 17-22,” he said. Nearly 100 players from across the world are expected in Botswana, with confirmations from the United States of America, South Africa (SA), Peru, and Morocco.
Denzel Seetso is expected to continue where he left off after winning the ITF J100 a few weeks back in SA. He accumulated 100 points for winning the tournament.
Other local players are currently in Namibia for the J30 tournament. The players, Seabo Saleshando, Esi Molefe, Kagelelo Malumo and Nina Sekonopo are also using the Namibian tournament as part of preparations for the Gaborone leg.
“The two tournaments will be played over three weeks in Gaborone. That is a guaranteed business for local accommodation providers, restaurants, and Air Botswana. Players are taking care of their own expenses,” Thipe said.
