Mdantsane wheelchair tennis star prepares to jet off to Turkey
An 18-year-old wheelchair tennis player is carrying the hopes of Vukuhambe Special School in Mdantsane as he prepares to represent the Eastern Cape in a tennis World Cup competition in Turkey.
Ntando Nokama is among an elite group of players who will be participating in the wheelchair tennis tournament that will be held next week.
Nine South Africans are taking part in the event — three junior and six senior players.
Ntando, who hails from Mgwali village, leaves for Turkey on Sunday to compete in the tournament that begins on Tuesday.
The youngster, who started playing tennis at the age of 10, said he was thrilled that he would be competing in the international tournament.
“I started playing tennis in 2016, here at Vukuhambe. What made me interested was that I looked up to many seasoned players on TV,” he said.
“I started playing in tournaments in school, provincials and competed in nationals and I was among the chosen ones who are going to Turkey.
“I want to motivate other children with disabilities that it is not the end of the world, you can continue with life even with the disability you have.”
Ntando said he was looking forward to competing against players from other countries.
“I am so excited about the journey I am about to take and with the support I am getting from everyone, I know I am on the right track.”
He said he was motivated by his teacher, Nomvuyo Vellem, who unleashed and celebrated his tennis skills.
“She makes me want to be a better learner and sports player than I already am.
“When I grow up I want to build my home and this is why I am committed to sport.”
Ntando said he believed playing tennis would make him a better person.
“I believe it will benefit me in the future.”
He said he aspired to be a seasoned and award-winning tennis player in the next five years.
“I see myself having accolades, a big car and having built a dream home for my parents.”
Vellem said the school was 100% behind Ntando.
“We are excited, especially myself. I am over the moon.
“I am the one who started with these learners from scratch and developed them to be who they are.
“It’s been a difficult journey with the limited resources that we have — we do not even have a tennis court,” Vellem said.
She said the children had to travel from Mdantsane to East London to practise on proper courts.
“We train them on a basketball field. For him to see a full court, I have to take him in my car to Selborne’s sports field.”
I want to motivate other children with disabilities that it is not the end of the world, you can continue with life even with the disability you have