Table tennis star rises to national level
Local table tennis star Basetsana Moopi (12) is making a name for herself
Local table tennis star Basetsana Moopi (12) is making a name for herself in the sport.
The learner from Tshabalala Primary School in Katlehong represented her school at district level in the Table Tennis Summer Schools Games that were organised by the Department of Education and she defeated the best players from Ekurhuleni South.
Moopi’s top performance did not go unnoticed and she was chosen to represent Ekurhuleni South at regional level.
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The regional games took place on September 14 at Queens High School in Bedfordview. Five districts took part in the competition and Moopi did not disappoint. She was then chosen to play at provincial level, where she won all five of her games.
This put her into the finals, where she played three sets and won 2-1 on September 21 at Chris Hani Multipurpose Sport Complex in Orange Farm.
Her excellent performance has now taken her to national level.
Her mentor and former coach Rebecca Lukhele, who is also second deputy principal at her school, said she was very proud of Moopi’s achievement. She started training Moopi when the learner was eight years old.
“The whole school is also proud of her. What makes me happier is that she can balance her schoolwork with sport very well. I wish her all the best when she participates at national level. I hope she continues to impress,” said Lukhele.
Moopi said she was more than excited.
“I can’t even describe the feeling,” she said. “I have been longing for this opportunity for a very long time. Not everyone gets opportunities to play with the best players in the country.
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“I would like to thank my parents and teachers for their ongoing support. There were times when they left everything and came with me to tournaments to give me moral support,” Moopi said.
She thanked everyone who helped her prepare for this level of the competition.
“I am going there to win,” said Moopi. “I am going there knowing that I have to protect not only my own reputation, but also that of my teachers and everyone who will accompany me. I do not want to disappoint them. I want them to be proud of me,” said Moopi.
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