by Olalekan Okusan ITTF-Africa Press Officer
Following success against Botswana’s Maloka Bakang (11-6, 11-3, 13-11, 11-5), Shane Overmeyer secured the men’s singles title at the final expense of colleague, Theo Cogill (11-9, 9-11, 11-3, 11-8, 11-9), the player with whom he clinched men’s team and men’s doubles gold.
In the men’s team event, in a group organised event, South Africa finished ahead of Botswana and Zimbabwe; in the ensuing men’s doubles, at the final hurdle the duo accounted for Thibo Matjhats and Tshenok Mookets, also from Botswana.
“Tenacity and working hard in training is the best tool for every sportsman.” Shane Overmeyer
Overcame colleagues
Impressive from veteran Shane Overmeyer, it was the same from 18 year old Mushfiguh Kalam; the title won at the expense of colleagues. At the semi-final stage she beat Khanysile Madlala, prior to accounting for Simeen Mookrey (8-11, 11-2, 11-4, 8-11, 11-5).
An all-South African women’s singles final; it was the same in the women’s doubles. Mushfiguh Kalam and Jesse-Leigh Nomdo overcame Simeen Mookrey and Khanysile Madlala to arrest the title. Earlier, Theo Cogill and Simeen Mookrey had joined forces to win the mixed doubles accounting for colleagues Shaun Jones and Mushfiquh in the final.
Likewise, South Africa secured the women’s team title finishing ahead of Botswana and Namibia.
“The secret of my success was spin attack, consistency and hard work.” Mushfiguh Kalam
Para events included
Notably, in addition para events were included. Once again South Africa prevailed; they won men’s team 6-10; Ntombi Somtswayi secured the women’s singles class 1-5 title.
Success, Shane Overmeyer and Mushfiguh Kalam qualify for the 2020 ITTF Top 16 Cup and Olympic Qualification tournament to be staged in Tunisia.
Entries and support
Overall six countries – Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Malawi, South Africa and Zimbabwe – competed.
The tournament was supported locally by Lesotho Sports and Recreation Commission, Lesotho National Olympic Committee, Lesotho Electricity Company, CTM Orthopedics and Vodacom Lesotho.
2019 Southern Africa Regional Championships: Results – Men’s Singles
2019 Southern Africa Regional Championships: Results – Men’s Doubles
2019 Southern Africa Regional Championships: Results – Men’s Team
2019 Southern Africa Regional Championships: Results – Para Men’s Team
2019 Southern Africa Regional Championships: Results – Women’s Singles
2019 Southern Africa Regional Championships: Results – Women’s Doubles
2019 Southern Africa Regional Championships: Results – Women’s Team
2019 Southern Africa Regional Championships: Results – Para Women’s Singles