30/08/2026
10 YEAR OLD STEPHANEY BATSHOLENG SHINE AT PHOENIX ASSURANCE BOTSWANA KGATLENG OPEN 2026
Kgatleng — Young table tennis talents stole the spotlight at the Phoenix Assurance Botswana Kgatleng Open Tournament 2026, with 10-year-old Stephany Batsholeng producing one of the standout performances of the tournament after claiming the Senior Ladies title.
Batsholeng, representing Bontleng/Ithuteng, demonstrated remarkable composure against more experienced opposition to win the senior women’s final 3-2. She lost the second and fourth games but recovered strongly to secure the deciding game 11-8, completing a memorable performance at just 10 years of age.
The tournament, which forms part of the Botswana Table Tennis Association’s competitive calendar, brought together players from different clubs and development centres, providing an important platform for emerging players to gain competitive experience while established players battle for honours.
The Kgatleng Open also highlighted the depth of Botswana’s junior talent, with several players featuring prominently across the Under-12 and Under-19 categories.
In the Under-12 Boys, Agobakwe Sebetlela of Maikano emerged champion, defeating Andile Mmono of Bontleng/Ithuteng 3-0 (11-3, 11-4, 11-0) in the final. Kevin Mlandu of Maikano and Dhaarmic Karthic of Dithubaruba settled for bronze.
The Under-12 Girls title went to Batsholeng, who defeated Makanaka Banni 3-0 (11-3, 11-3, 11-4). Sethunya Buisanyang and Orefile Mosase claimed bronze.
In the Under-19 Girls, Boitlamo Nkele of Bontleng/Ithuteng defeated teammate Carol David 3-0 (11-9, 12-10, 11-5) to take gold. Batsholeng and Briannah Mogaladi completed the podium with bronze medals.
The Under-19 Boys saw Reneilwe Lekorwe of Smash Maniacs crowned champion after a 3-0 victory over Gofaone Dzvaka of Bontleng/Ithuteng. Lekorwe won 11-8, 11-8 and 12-10, while Thato Kgongwana and Sebetlela took bronze.
In the Senior Men, Bakang Maloka of BDF continued his strong showing by defeating fellow BDF player Thobo Matlhatsi 3-0 (11-6, 11-5, 11-3) to claim the title. Tshireletso Samuel and Mompati Chabe shared bronze.
The Senior Ladies category produced the most dramatic final of the tournament. Batsholeng overcame Boitlamo Nkele 3-2 in a tightly contested encounter, winning 11-4, 6-11, 11-4, 5-11, 11-8. Nkele took silver, while Tsholofelo Gaokgalemelwe and Briannah Mogaladi earned bronze.
The Kgatleng Open forms part of efforts to strengthen domestic table tennis competition and create opportunities for players at different levels to test themselves in a competitive environment.
With junior players competing alongside senior athletes, the tournament provided valuable exposure for Botswana’s emerging generation while also showcasing the country’s established talent.
Batsholeng’s senior ladies triumph, in particular, underlined the potential of Botswana’s young players, while Sebetlela’s double appearance on the winners’ podium further demonstrated the strength of the country’s developing junior talent.
