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SHINING LADIES CORNER:
MBABANE – Mhlume Club Coach Gabisile Mkhabela has transformed from a volleyball enthusiast to a tennis sensation.
‘Gabi, as she is nicknamed, was initially introduced to sports through volleyball and then quickly recognised her skill in tennis. The Mhlume Primary School teacher then embraced this new-found passion in 2012, which she said has hardened her reputation as a player, while also amassing a wealth of coaching experience. In this week’s feature, we are privileged to showcase her remarkable journey and achievements.
NH: Take us through your journey in tennis.
GM: I used to take my friend Lomaswazi ‘Swazi’ Hlanze to play volleyball while I managed the Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation Ladies Volleyball team. One day I accompanied her to play tennis and she challenged me to join her on the court as she had no partner that day back in 2012. I then started playing with pupils in my school until Coach Bongani Kunene came and introduced the sport to the school and my Head teacher, Richard Mathonsi, agreed that I do a coaching course for the school.
NH: What were some of your goals and future dreams in tennis?
GM: To have some of my players represent the country, which is already happening. I now wish not only that they represent us but also win, especially in the Confederation of African Tennis to start with.
ATHLETE’S PROFILE: Name: Gabisile Mkhabela Nickname: Gabi
Team: Mhlume Tennis Club Position: Player/Coach
NH: Who has helped you in your journey? GM: So many have given support, with Maxwell Jele, the Eswatini Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association (EOCGA) Chief Executive Officer, who encouraged me to attend all courses pertaining to tennis to sharpen my skills.
NH: What has been your most memorable moment?
GM: Being chosen to take the national team to Zimbabwe alone. I felt the nation trusted and believed in me that I was going to do what was expected and I did. That was being able to take my team to the finals during the Club Championships last December.
NH: Surely there is that bad moment too?
GM: I like to learn more, especially on the coaching aspect of the sport. I was so hurt to miss last year’s Level I Coaching Course due to work commitments.
NH: What are some of the challenges you have encountered?
GM: It was not easy as I had a lot of reading and practising to do while doing my job as a teacher at the same time. I asked for more assistance from more coaches, who are well equipped with the sport and luckily they managed to show me how to balance that without any pressure.
NH: What can you say to other women who might be looking up to you?
GM: “If I did it, why can’t you do it too?” Pray and believe in yourself, it’s never easy but don’t give up. There is always light at the end of the tunnel. Do your best and God will do the rest.