Thabile Pilane: “I Would Love to See More Women Excelling in Sport”

Fencing athlete, coach and Botswana Fencing Federation Public Relations Officer, Thabile Pilane, has ambitions of becoming her country’s first-ever FIE accredited referee.

Growing up, Pilane excelled in various sporting codes from basketball to netball, however her love for fencing developed when a friend introduced her to the sport.

She then went on to attend a training camp in South Africa, which she describes as “the best two weeks of my life,” and since then she has not looked back.

In 2022, Pilane took her fencing career to the next level as she represented her country at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she managed to secure 24th place out of the 60 participants.

Speaking with Tlamelo Kganakga, Pilane takes us through her sporting journey and shares her message for International Women’s Day.

Thabile, thank you for chatting to us. Please tell us about yourself and where you are from.

Good day, thank you very much for having me, it Is such a pleasure and privilege. My full names are Thabile Morekwe Pilane, I am from Botswana, I live in Gaborone but I was born in Sikwane. I am 26 years old and a mother to 2 beautiful kids (girl 8 years and boy 4 years). I am a dedicated sports person, from being an athlete, a coach, a referee in training and currently the Public Relations Officer for the Botswana Fencing Federation.

When and where did your love for sport begin and why fencing?

Wow, I have always been an athletic child, from primary school I was already playing football and running track, I could only do short distances though. Fast forward to junior school I started playing netball, basketball and also threw javelin – I excelled in so many sporting codes. In 2014, I was in high school and a cousin of mine had approached me and asked if I was interested in trying fencing as Botswana was preparing to host the Africa Youth Games and we needed the numbers to participate in as many sports as possible. I had no idea what fencing was and how to even play it, but he told me not to worry as we will start training in a couple of days to learn.

I was so excited because not only was I going to learn a new sport, but I was going to represent my country in a major competition. I was so terrified but agreed, which was the best decision ever. We started training and I fell in love, it was exhilarating and unique that I never looked back. I was playing basketball at that time in high school and that was the last time they heard from me! We went for a training camp in South Africa at the Tyshler Fencing School in Randburg for 2 weeks (best 2 weeks ever).

In simple terms, how would explain fencing?

Fencing is a swords playing martial art. We have 3 weapons in fencing (Epee, Saber and Foil) all which have their own rules and targets. We fight to score points against each other while wearing protective clothing that helps us not to get injured from the stabs. The point at the end of the very thin sword/ weapon is not sharp but has a point that registers when one has taken a hit from their opponents.

What are some of the challenges you have faced and how have you managed to overcome them?

Plenty of challenges, hahaha. Honestly ,the biggest challenge we experience is lack of sponsorships. We struggle with money at times that we have to miss important international competitions that could boost our rankings in the world. We have been fortunate at times to take 2 or 4 athletes to competitions around the world but sometimes it is really hard because of money, and we miss very important competitions.

The best way we have tried to overcome this is to plan ahead of time, knock on every door available and request for sponsors. I always say that the worst they can say is no but we can have 1 yes out of a 1000 no’s. We have been fortunate to have some companies who have managed to help us.

My personal challenge has always been juggling my life with being a sports person and being a mom. I have to always account for days I have missed with the little ones due to travelling or training sessions, etc. I am finding a balance between that and working really hard to not make any of them suffer, including work so it is such a struggle no lie.

What are some of your career highlights?

Wow, it was actually last year around August when I travelled to London for the Commonwealth Games. It was my first big international competition where I managed to rank 24 out of close to 60 athletes. London was an amazing experience for me and the rest of the team as we did very well.

What would you say are some of the best fights you have won?

2014 Africa Youth Games. I remember some girl from Algeria, we were all scared of the Algerians and the Egyptians because they were considered the best. I remember in our pools I beat that girl and I was so happy like I had won the whole competition! That was my all-time favourite.

What do you think of the state of fencing in South Africa where women are concerned?

The South African Fencing Federation is ahead in a lot of aspects. They have athletes that are in good ranking numbers in the world. Whenever I wanted to attend some tournaments I made sure to go to the ones in SA since it was more affordable. They too have their fair share of challenges and that involves funding, etc.

Which sportswomen do you admire and why?

Just to mention a few Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Ronda Rousey. I love these women because they are top in their respective sporting codes, and they have demonstrated that hard work makes it all possible and when one loses, they learn from that and perfect their craft the next time.

What is it that people don’t know about you?

I am a very shy person, I don’t think people know that because they say I talk a lot and seem very confident, but I am so shy no lie.

What do you do for fun?

Hahaha, I am a very simple person, I love going for paintball, go-carting, etc. I also love travelling, it’s fun, just not when you are missing flights! I do enjoy some good music over a cold one.

If you could compete anywhere in the world, where would it be and why??

The 2023 Fencing Olympics in Paris this year. It’s a dream. For me to get there I need all the best training in the world with the best coaches and more competitions and funds to participate. I would love to compete at the World Championships also to meet the best fencers in the world.

What’s your greatest career ambition?

I want to become Botswana’s first FIE accredited referee. It has always been in my books, and I would love to pursue that part of my sport.

What’s your advice to women who aspire to be in sport?

We can do it all. There is nothing too difficult for us and sports should also be able to feed us and we turn it into careers and be passionate about it.

Today we honour International Women’s Day, what are your hopes for women’s sport going forward? 

I would love to see more women excelling in sport! We have proven that we can do it all and we are coming for everything.

Photo 1 Caption: Fencing athlete, coach and Botswana Fencing Federation Public Relations Officer, Thabile Pilane, has ambitions of becoming her country’s first-ever FIE accredited referee. Photo: Supplied