Local players have tipped visiting South African table tennis ace, Zodwa Maphanga to qualify for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.

Maphanga was in the country over the weekend and played against some of Botswana's best table tennis stars in a mini-tournament held at SSKB. She was in the country courtesy of the G4S 4teen sports programme that seeks to support aspiring young athletes from around the world. Maphanga met with her G4S 4teen counterpart and Botswana sprinter, Fanuel Kenosi.

The highlight of her visit was when she took on Botswana's women champion Boitshwarelo Butale and beat her 3-0. The two had previously played against each other at the 2006 Zone VI Championships in Benoni, South Africa.

Butale, affectionately known as Bizo, conceded that Maphanga has immensely improved over the last two years.

"I played against her at the 2006 Zone VI Championships and after playing her today (Friday) I could see that she is really improving. She is giving the sport her all and that will certainly take her to the 2012 Games. She is difficult to beat," Butale told Mmegi Sport. The Pretoria-born Maphanga faced Botswana's national men team player, Tiro Motswasebe in a closely contested match. Motswasebe is convinced Maphanga will win the African Championships. He, however, advised her to improve on her speed and spin.

"I've long known Zodwa and I know what she is capable of. South Africa must make sure they nurture her very well because she has so much potential. I see her winning the African Championships if groomed well," Motswasebe said.

SSKB Table Tennis club coach, Motila Dithapelo was impressed with Maphanga and said if she keeps working hard, she will make it to the 2012 Games.

The 18-year-old praised G4S 4teen for the programme, saying every athlete needs such support to excel in his or her career.

Maphanga is mentored by legendary long runner, medallist Haile Gebrselassie of Ethiopia whose task is to help G4S 4teen athletes qualify for London 2012. "It is such an honour to be mentored by Gerbrselassie, everyone knows what he has achieved. Haile has committed to helping us achieve our sporting goals, so I want to be South Africa's number one by next year and I also want to represent my country in the 2012 Olympics.

I know it is going to be a huge challenge because there are so many good players in Egypt and Nigeria but I want to qualify," said a determined Maphanga. She has won silver and bronze in continental tournaments and participated in the African Seniors Cup in Congo-Brazzaville, the Commonwealth Youth Games and the All-Africa Games. She took bronze medals in both the doubles and mixed doubles at the South African senior championships last year.