NC tennis players shine at nationals
PLAYERS from the Northern Cape Tennis Federation showcased an exceptional blend of talent and sportsmanship at the recent National High School Interpro Tennis Tournament held in Pretoria.
Despite facing stiff competition from all provinces and even a team from Zimbabwe, the Northern Cape teams left a lasting impression on the courts.
In a remarkable testament to the talent nurtured in the Northern Cape, the province’s own Logan Matthysen seized an extraordinary opportunity.
Selected to represent the SA High Schools Under-15 team, Matthysen is set to embark on a tour of London from June 27 to July 5 this year. This tour encompasses visits to iconic tennis venues such as Wimbledon, along with match days at esteemed facilities like the Bisham Abbey and Sutton Tennis Academy.
Notably, the estimated cost of this tour for Matthysen stands at approximately R60,000, underscoring the recognition of her exceptional abilities.
Matthysen's selection marks the second instance in a brief span of three years where a Northern Cape player has earned national recognition. Earlier, Lesedi Muller from Kathu earned a spot on the Under-13 National Primary School team in 2022, showcasing the region’s consistent ability to produce top-tier tennis talent.
In an interview with the DFA, Matthysen expressed her joy at being part of the team and playing for the Northern Cape for the first time. She described the competition as intense yet enjoyable, highlighting the tight matches.
She also shared her aspirations, expressing her dream of one day participating in a Grand Slam event within the Women's Tennis
Association and performing admirably when that opportunity arises.
Meanwhile, in the tournament's Under-15 and Under-19 categories, the NC'S Under-15 team secured an impressive ninth position overall, while the Under19 team claimed the 11th spot.
Coaches Marianne Grobler and Tiaan Serfontein played pivotal roles in guiding and supporting the teams, fostering not just exceptional tennis skills but also exemplary sportsmanship throughout the event.
Representing various districts within the NC, the Interpro team notably featured seven players from the Frances Baard District,
representing Diamantveld High School in Kimberley. These players, namely William Harding, Pieter Grové, Marno Greef, Juan Vermeulen, Victor Greef, Cherise Müller, and Hester Jansen, showcased exceptional determination and skill on the court.
Earning a spot on the NC Interpro team required enduring rigorous trials at both district and provincial levels. The trials, held in Upington from December 5 to December 8 last year, witnessed fierce competition as players vied for coveted positions on the prestigious team.
Further emphasising the depth of talent within the Northern Cape Tennis Federation, players like Henk Van der Post, Petri Eksteen, Beate Steyn, and Minka van Pletzen contributed significantly to the team's success.
Isaiah Peters, an Under-15 boys player, reflected on his experience in the tournament, expressing gratitude for being able to participate in his second interpro tennis tournament.
He described the competition as intense, emphasising the tight matches that ensued. Peters shared insights into his training regimen, dedicating hours to practise and maintaining fitness through treadmill sessions. He concluded by expressing his ambition to represent South African teams and eventually partake in International Tennis Federation tours.
As the curtains draw to a close on yet another exhilarating edition of the National High School Interprovincial Tournament, the Northern Cape celebrates its representatives who not only demonstrated exceptional tennis skills but also epitomised sportsmanship and dedication to the sport.
With promising talents like Logan Matthysen and a formidable roster of players, the future of tennis in the Northern Cape shines brighter than ever.