08/03/2026
Rebatenne and Malobela Crowned Inaugural BNSC Indoor Sport Festival Mixed Team Champions
Tshepiso Rebatenne and Boago Malobela made history after winning the inaugural Mixed Team Event at the BNSC Indoor Sport Festival. The duo defeated Tshireletso Samuel and Tsholofelo Gaokgalemelwe in the final to claim the title.
Rebatenne and Malobela walked away with the winner’s prize of P2,000, while the runners-up received P1,000. The prize money for the event was sponsored by Phoenix Assurance Botswana.
The competition attracted a number of strong participants and produced exciting matches throughout the tournament. Constance Kuswani, Bakang Maloka, Tiro Lesomo and Boitlamo Nkele were among the standout performers, reaching the semi-finals before falling short of a place in the final.
In the Veterans category, Bao Sheng Young won the Men’s Veterans division. The category was mainly organised for recreational purposes to give experienced players an opportunity to continue enjoying the sport in a friendly competitive environment. In the Women’s Veterans division, Boitshwarelo Butale finished in first place while Felicity Sebeso secured second position.
The Botswana Table Tennis Association (BTTA) also used the event as a platform to raise awareness against gender-based violence. The Mixed Team Event, which pairs a male and female player in one team, was intentionally organised to highlight the importance of cooperation, respect and communication between men and women.
Through the format, players with different strengths and styles of play are required to work together in order to win matches. It encourages teamwork, discipline and the ability to support one another during the game, including acknowledging mistakes and learning to apologise when necessary.
BTTA believes that sport can play an important role in promoting positive values in society. By bringing men and women together in one team, the association used the competition to send a strong message about unity, respect and working together both in sport and in everyday life.
