Tennis back at Tshabalala

LIFE has returned to the Tshabalala tennis courts that have been lying derelict for close to a decade.

Emakhandeni Tennis Club chairman, Witness Jiyane, who set himself the task of reviving the sport in the Bulawayo western areas, decided to revive training sessions at the courts.

Jiyane said being a beneficiary of the National Tennis Development Programme (NTDP) that was spearheaded by Tennis Zimbabwe in the 90s propelled him give upcoming stars a chance to develop their talent in the sport. He said although the Tshabalala courts are far from being ideal, they were suitable for basic coaching.

“I got into tennis through the NTDP that saw me along with other several players in the western suburbs take up the sport when it was considered elitist. It brought a lot of opportunities with some getting scholarships abroad while others have become coaches. After making efforts to revive tennis at Emakhandeni, I felt I should play my role in seeking and grooming talent in the western suburbs,” said Jiyane.

He said they have managed to recruit players from four schools close to Tshabalala which they have been taking through lessons. Jiyane said he had linked with former tennis player, Barbra Nkomazana, who emerged from Tshabalala who was assisting with the acquisition of equipment to be used in training young stars.

South Africa-based coach, Prince Matema has also pledged to partner Jiyane in the project.

“Larry Kart has also pledged equipment which he said is on its way and will be arriving in South Africa. I understand it is substantial and will see us being able to recruit more players,” he said.

Pupils from Ihlathi Secondary School, Ntunta Primary, Mahlabezulu Primary and Maphisa Primary are taking up lessons at the Tshabalala courts and being taken through basic techniques.

Jiyane said he was working with teachers to groom players, which train on Mondays and Wednesdays.

The NTDP saw an emergence of several stars in the sport that include Noel Wadawu, the late Dumiso Khumalo, Gloria Mpala, Fadzai Madzimbamuto and Matthew Gumbo among others.