The junior tennis scene in Botswana continues to gain momentum after more than 20 young players from across the country gathered in Maun for the Maun Open Junior Tournament, an event organisers believe could help shape the future of the sport nationally.
Co-organiser and sponsor Veronica Redon Sanchez, said the annual tournament is designed to bring young players together while promoting the values of discipline, teamwork and respect through sport.
Held at BMC Sports Club in Maun, the competition attracted children from several towns including Francistown and other clubs around Botswana, reflecting what organisers say is a steady rise in youth participation.
“We are very happy because the numbers are growing every year,” she said. “The main idea is for them to come together, to know each other and to learn a sport based on discipline, respect and teamwork. We believe children can build a better future with the basics of sport.”
The tournament forms part of a wider development push driven by sponsors and partners who are investing in grassroots tennis. Through a youth programme that allows children under 14 from government schools to access training, organisers say participation has expanded significantly in recent years.
“When we started, we had maybe five or six children coming for lessons,” Redon Sanchez explained. “Now we can reach 30 children in training and more than 20 competing. Every month more kids come asking how they can start playing tennis.”
A major part of the initiative has been supporting children from the Matlapana area, with transport, accommodation and to ensure young players can compete regardless of financial background.
The growing interest in tennis is also being fuelled by Botswana’s rising presence on the international stage. Organisers pointed to the success of Botswana’s top player Ntungamili Raguin, who has competed internationally and inspired younger athletes to pursue the sport.
“Why not some of these kids get there one day and represent Botswana?” she said.
Despite the progress, organisers say facilities remain limited, particularly family-friendly recreational spaces in Maun. They are calling on more businesses and community members to support youth sport initiatives.
Sponsors for the tournament included Kalahari Breeze Safaris, Tau Chartered Accountants, Delta Air, with organisers hopeful that increased corporate involvement will help expand opportunities for young players.
“This is just the beginning of something becoming serious,” Redon Sanchez said. “Our dream is to build a proper tennis school with more coaches and resources so Botswana can grow internationally.”
On court, the young athletes delivered competitive performances across several categories, ultimately securing 5 Golds and 11 Silvers and 3 Bronzes.
With some of the results revealing that in the Boys Under-14 division, Seth Seipatela claimed the gold medal and a headset prize after emerging victorious in the final. Shola Seipatela finished runner-up to take silver, while Romeo Setshego secured bronze.
While Girls 12 & Under Palesa Masunga took the Gold while Tanisha Reddy Munna took the Silver. As the Maun Open wrapped up, organisers expressed hope that the tournament would inspire young players to travel and represent Maun in competitions across the country.
“For us, this is the beginning of something bigger,” Redon Sanchez said. “We want these kids to grow in confidence, compete nationally and one day represent Botswana internationally.”
