YOUNG TENNIS SENSATION ON THE RISE

BOTSWANA tennis player, Kao Kevin Lenkopane, who is currently based in the United States of America, scooped the Best Player of the Week in college tennis last week while his team was named Team of the Week.

The 21-year-old Kanye native is one of the tennis recipients of the 2021 Botswana National Sport Commission Elite Scholarship fund, which will allow him to study and play college tennis at the University of the Ozarks in Arkansas in the US.

University of the Ozarks is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division III and competes in the American Southwest Conference against schools from the states of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.

Lenkopane, who is currently the university tennis club captain, has closed eight single wins and ten double wins this season.

Our Reporter, PORTIA MLILO, had a chat with this ambitious young player about his career and future plans.

What inspired you to play tennis?

I wanted to follow my dad’s (Bafana Lenkopane) footsteps in softball when I was at Orapa Junior Secondary School. I didn’t enjoy it that much but he inspired me to try out tennis. Little did I know that one day I’d be studying abroad through sport.

Who discovered your talent?

Coach Masha Makhumalo, who was coaching me at Orapa tennis club. He was patient enough to work with me even though I had started tennis at a late age and didn’t have that much of a work ethic since I was overweight. He taught me discipline and instilled patience in me from the age of 14 to 19. In a few months, I had lost weight.

How did you end up playing in the US?

I am a recipient of the Botswana Sport Commission elite scholarship. I am currently pursuing a Degree in Business Administration with minors in Psychology and English. The selection criteria involves consideration of one’s performances in both academic and athletic disciplines. I knew from Form 4 that I wanted to compete at a higher level than local tennis and I was going to be able to do that through college tennis as I get to compete with diverse and competitive players. This motivated me to work hard, be focused and determined to improve my play in every local competition.