Duo are eager to realise their dream for UK trip
TWO Eastern Cape budding tennis players have been chosen to be part of the South African schools team to tour the United Kingdom in June.
The two Hudson Park pupils – Kwanda Mbalekwa and Sisipho Ndlabhu – were selected to the schools national team after brilliant performances in the interprovincial games in Bloemfontein and Pretoria respectively.
While Eastern Cape teams finish 14th – three places above lastplaced teams – the two youngsters excelled, earning themselves the trip of a lifetime.
However, each have to raise R45 000 for the trip.
Ndlabhu said she was both excited and nervous about being selected into the team.
“I am nervous because now I will be representing an entire country and that comes with its own pressures,” she said.
The Grade 12 pupils said playing professional tennis is something she would consider if she got sponsors. Failing which, she will play until she graduates at university.
Mbalekwa could not be reached for comment but his proud coach Camagu Sotyelelwa said his selection was long overdue and well deserved.
“His performance was incredible throughout the tournament. I am very proud of him. It is something we have been training and working hard for, for the past three years,” he said.
“This is a big pat on the back for us all.”
Tennis Buffalo City president Neil Naidoo said they were proud of the two up-and-coming youngsters. “Their selection is indeed a momentous occasion for both of them as they worked hard practising long hours to the build-up of this tournament and also made the Eastern Cape province and Hudson Park High School, proud,” said Naidoo.
The two had until yesterday to raise R20 000. They have to pay in the remaining R25 000 by May 8.
Failing which they may miss out on a trip of a lifetime.
Naidoo called on the provincial education and sport, recreation, arts and culture departments and private sector to assist the duo.
“We can’t allow these children to withdraw from this tournament because of financial struggles. We will do everything we can possibly do to make sure they are taken care of.
“This is not to sound racist but this is a big achievement for the Eastern Cape black community as we are trying to promote tennis in all communities,” he said.
To donate you can contact Riagan Smith of Tennis Buffalo City on 081-484-8087.
Commenting on the overall performance of Eastern Cape tennis teams at the interprovincial games, Naidoo said they were proud at how the teams fared in the competition.
He was upbeat about the province improving on its 14-place finish in the U13, U15 and U19 this year.