Chris Theko
Lesotho Table Tennis Association (LeTTA) hosted Table Tennis open tournament in Berea at the Examination Council of Lesotho (ECOL) hall, Khubetsoana last week Saturday.
In an interview with Newsday Sport, LeTTA Vice General Secretary (VSG) Kamohelo Seaka, pointed out that the tournament came as a breakthrough and step in the right direction seeing as there has been an almost complete two years of no activity in the table tennis circles and within the association due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has ravaged the world at large.
The games’ resumption follows the keynote national address on the current global health conditions by the Prime Minister Dr Moeketsi Majoro, which allowed for continuation of non-contact sports.
Seaka said that due to the fact that table tennis is one of non-contact sports; LeTTA decided to host the open tournament that they believe will revive the sport and lure clubs and table tennis players into the playing mood. He said hosting the tournament was envisaged to also allow the association to scout for raw talent.
“This tournament was not sponsored since it was only meant to prepare the players for the upcoming competitions. There was money rewarded to winners, where in the males’ senior position; Khetheng Mothibe from Thamae Stars secured the first position and was awarded M200. Likhetho Mothibi, a twin brother to Khetheng also got M150 for the second position while Themba Talane walked home with M100 for finishing in third position.
“In the women’s category, Thato Mathibe from Thamae Stars obtained the first position; Reaoboka Mofelo from Thamae Table Tennis obtained the second position while Nthabeleng Mokeki from Rebel Army finished in third position. The Junior (Youth development category) first position in the boys’ category was obtained by Teboho Mokhele from Thamae Stars, Mohau Mokhele obtained the second position and Khotso Masilo from Thamae Table Tennis obtained the third position. In the girls’ junior category; Palesa Montso won the first position, Mamello Letsie the second position and the third position was won by Lieketso Makuteane,†he said.
He said players were awarded through the finance office. The tournament results were used to update the ranking positions of the players. He said through this tournament, five best players from both males and females were selected for the national team that is scheduled to camp immediately after a few tournaments,†Seaka said.