RISING STARS Botswana’s Young Tennis Players Off For Inaugural ANOCA School Games
While the spotlight beams on Gaborone as host of the prestigious 2025 Davis Cup Africa Group V, Botswana’s sporting excellence is also making waves far beyond its borders. Two junior tennis athletes, Martin Seetso and Ditshegofatso Bapaletswe, have jetted off to Annaba, Algeria, to represent the nation at the inaugural ANOCA African School Games, a historic event uniting young athletes from across the continent.
As 15 African nations battle it out on home soil for Davis Cup glory, Seetso and Bapaletswe carry Botswana’s flag to North Africa, joining over 3,500 athletes from 54 countries in a celebration of youth, sport, and education.
The send-off ceremony this Wednesday was led by BNSC Board Chairperson Mr. Marumo Morule, marking a moment of pride and encouragement.
“You are more than athletes, you are ambassadors of Botswana’s values, discipline, and sporting excellence,” Morule said, thanking the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education and the Botswana National Olympic Committee for their collaboration in securing Botswana’s place in this landmark event.
Martin Seetso, a rising star in Botswana’s junior tennis circuit, recently clinched silver in the U-14 boys singles at the ITF/Southern Africa Championships.
Ditshegofatso Bapaletswe, just 15, has overcome training challenges in rural Moeng to earn her spot on the national team, a testament to resilience and raw talent.
Organized by the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) in partnership with the International School Sport Federation (ISF) and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the ANOCA School Games run from 26 July to 5 August 2025 across four Algerian cities: Annaba, Constantine, Sétif, and Skikda.
The event features 25 sports disciplines, including tennis, athletics, judo, beach volleyball, and BMX.
