Bulawayo, Zimbabwe – 20 May 2025 – Botswana’s rising tennis star Malak Macheng delivered a commanding performance at the ITF J30 Bulawayo 2025 tournament, crushing Zimbabwe’s Christianne Kuhuni 6-1, 6-0 in the first round of the girls’ singles second leg. The tournament, which is being held at the Bulawayo Country Club from May 19 to 25, has attracted junior tennis talents from across the region, with Botswana’s players already making their mark.
Macheng wasted no time asserting her dominance on the court, displaying sharp footwork, precise serves, and powerful groundstrokes that left Kuhuni with little room to respond. Her straight-set victory sends a strong signal to her competitors and puts her in a favourable position for a deep run in the tournament.
Adding to Botswana’s winning momentum, another junior player, Rethabile Moshaoa, also secured a first-round victory after defeating Zimbabwe’s Beaulah Kasake 6-1, 6-3. Moshaoa showed great consistency and composure, particularly in long rallies, to overcome her opponent in just under an hour.
The back-to-back victories have boosted Botswana’s hopes in the tournament and are being celebrated as a positive sign for the nation’s junior tennis development efforts. Both players are now set to face tougher opposition in the upcoming rounds, but their confident starts suggest they are well-prepared for the challenge.
The ITF J30 Bulawayo tournament is part of the International Tennis Federation’s junior circuit, providing young players with a platform to earn world ranking points and gain valuable international experience. The second leg of the 2025 edition continues throughout the week, with players competing in both singles and doubles categories.
Botswana’s junior tennis team will look to build on this early success as the competition intensifies in Bulawayo. With strong performances from Macheng and Moshaoa, all eyes will be on their next matches as they aim to bring home more victories for the country.
