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MBABANE – Investing in the youth means investing in the future.
Some people have an innate ability to groom children to become successful in life. Some refer to it as a biblical calling but in actual sense, it is the purpose or the ‘why’ of their existence. A teacher by profession and tennis coach, Gabi Mkhabela, devoted herself to grooming children at Mhlume Tennis Club to become future stars, who themselves have big dreams of showcasing their talent on international stages. Through her passion and patience in working with children, hard work, self-discipline and hunger for success which she instils in them at grassroots level, they are on the right path to being successful in future. Some of them have made it to the national team and still strive for excellence.
Join us in celebrating this week’s young talent as we promote sports participation; celebrate excellence in a bid to build a strong and healthy nation. Here is eight-year-old Nakile Dlamini from Mhlume
Tennis Club who shares her sporting experience and aspirations.
Name: Nakile Dlamini
Age: 8 years old
Club : Mhlume Tennis Club
Place of residence: Mhlume
Coach: Mkhabela When did you start playing tennis?: October 2019.”
Why tennis out of all sports?: “I picked tennis because I like it and it helps
Gabi
“In my fitness and health.”
What aspirations do you have as a tennis player?: “I will play tennis until I become a professional player.”
How has your life improved since you started playing tennis?: “My fitness has improved. I am getting stronger and stronger as I grow up and my performance has improved as well. I almost became the champion last year during the Mhlume and Siteki Tennis Club tournament in October. It was a race to 15 and I lost 14:15. I was really happy.”
What other life skills have you developed?: “I learnt to be a team player and the importance of good communication. As a team player, our coach taught us that supporting each other is important.”
What advice can you share with other young girls about sports participation?: “I can advise them do to better when they fail and not give up. That is how people learn and become better.”
How does your family support you and your sport of choice?: “My mother always encourages me to keep playing tennis. She also buys the staff I need for my sport and comes to watch me and my friends during training and competitions.”