Junior Squash players get exposure in SA

Four local juniors had the opportunity to see and compete against some of the best talent in South Africa, when they participated in the Paarl Junior Squash Open from 6 to 9 October.
Lida-Mari Calitz (Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaat Skool) won the U/19 ladies competition. On her way to the top she beat the Boland no 2 and 5 seed, as well as the SA no1 U/14 lady competing in the U/19 competition. To give an idea of the level of skill the high seeding players do have.
Arno Diekmann (Windhoek International School) came 11th in the U/16 boys group and had the privilege playing against the no1 in the competition (SA no1 U/14 seed). Although he lost the game points were 9-11, 4-11 and 9-11, indicating that Namibia can compete with the best in South Africa.
Henko Knipe (Windhoek High School) and Benneton Calitz (Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaat Skool) came 17th and 21st. They won all there matches except one in the opening round, which put them automatically in the second division of the competition.
A total of 34 U/16 boys took part in the competition and the three U/16 stood their ground against fierce competition and the intensity at which the games were played.
All the players have travelled on their own expenses, showing their dedication towards the game and which proved that Namibia can indeed compete at an international level with more exposure and effort.