08 Apr 2025

A 30-year-old dry spell finally came to an end at the Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) this year. 

First, it was the public relations and marketing officer, Tshegofatso Malepa, winning the Administrator of the Year award at the Vunani Annual Botswana Women Sports Awards.

Then followed BTTA with the National Sports Association of the Year Award at the recent 44^th edition of the Botswana Sport Awards on Saturday. 

Following the recent acknowledgement, the association president, Kudzanani Motswagole, who is on his second spell at the helm, said success, did not come overnight, as it took sacrifices, risks, team spirit and dedication to achieve. 

His work, together with members of his committee, saw their efforts taking shape and bearing its first fruit in June 2024 as the association ascended to Tier 1 in the Botswana National Sport Associations Resource Allocation Scheme for the 2024/2025 financial year, a move which will see the code getting increased funding.

“We were elevated from tier four to tier one within four years,” he said.

Through dedicated leadership that was focused on growing all aspects of the sport, Motswagole said the BTTA had managed to host major events in the past year, which included the Africa Youth Championships and Continental Hopes Week and Challenge. 

Motswagole said under his guidance, the BTTA had successfully secured a nine-year sponsorship agreement with Stag Global for equipment and national team attire. 

“My leadership is aligned with the BTTA objectives, feeding into our overarching mandate of regulation and promotion of table tennis in Botswana,” he said. 

Despite the limited resources and financial support, Motswagole said the BTTA had cultivated a culture of working efficiently, as well as fostering resilience and innovation. 

Motswagole said the BTTA’s vision was focused on table tennis having a significant contribution on the livelihoods of players and administrators.

Also, he said the aim was to produce world-class athletes and officials through the support of the corporate sector. 

He said the vision was also focused on sustainable growth by building a strong foundation for future generations involved in the sport. 

Motswagole said the sport code engaged with the community with some of its grassroots projects targeting children from less privileged backgrounds and involving their parents for sustainable development. 

The BTTA also collaborated with schools to identify potential athletes, fostering interest in table tennis from a young age, he said. Motswagole also said through the Re Ba Bona Ha programme, the BTTA was also to establish development structures in some parts of the country. 

Through its development programme, the BTTA has produced a decorated and promising future star, Reneilwe Lekorwe. 

The youngster has over the years proved that he is a force to reckon with and a future table tennis star by setting and breaking records locally and making an international impression.

He said BTTA had successfully engaged in partnerships with sponsors particularly with Phoenix Assurance Botswana, whose financial support was both for grassroots and elite activities. 

As the plan was to retain and grow the current positive growth, Motswagole said the BTTA was actively looking for more partners to elevate the standard and visibility of table tennis. 

In partnership with the Indian High Commission and Phoenix Assurance, Motswagole said table tennis had among others secured employment opportunities for some table tennis players. 

“Our collaboration with the Indian High Commission provided some athletes the opportunity to pursue higher education internationally while competing at high level centres,” he said. 

The players in India, he said were excelling at top clubs, enhancing their skills and competitive edge. 

“While some athletes have opted to retire, the majority remain active and competitive, showcasing their passion for the sport,” he said. 

Motswagole also acknowledged Arthur Kgaswe for facilitating players’ development in India, ensuring they maximise their potential. 

Additionally, Motswagole said the BTTA has long prioritised the development of athletes and coaches, resulting in a strong base that supported the sport’s growth. 

The development of officials has resulted in the BTTA producing an umpire of note, in Rita Nthaga.

With a career span of 10 years, Nthaga is an International Umpire certified in 2014. 

He said continuous efforts were made to enhance training and qualifications of officials, ensuring that they were equipped to support the sport’s international competitiveness. 

Motswagole gave gratitude to past leaders whose visionary efforts laid the groundwork for the current and future success of table tennis. ENDS