Tennis player set to play at interprovincial tournament
Tshephang joined the BSI Tennis Academy at the beginning of the term under the guidance of former Wimbledon player and Tennis SA tutor Helen Barrett.
Tshephang Monama (14) was recently selected to represent Eastern Gauteng at the interprovincial tennis tournament.
Monama joined the BSI Tennis Academy at the start of the term under the guidance of former Wimbledon player and Tennis SA tutor Helen Barrett.
Barrett is the academy’s tennis performance director.
The academy selected him from hundreds of aspiring players during their development clinics with players from Yeoville and Vosloorus.
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Through its development clinics, the academy offered potential players free coaching sessions, equipment sponsorship and tournament fees.
His teacher ignited his love for the sport, and he has never looked back.
“Out of that group, we also looked at players who already had their provincial colours.
“His school performance had to be at a certain level. The reason was we had to make sure he could cope, among other things,” explained Barrett.
Monama hopes to see himself one day play in more advanced leagues as a professional. His dream is to play on a professional level and improve his ranking.
Barrett said she is dedicated to working with aspiring tennis players because of her love for the sport.
“It does feel good to share some of my knowledge with them and help them because I want to help them wherever I can, especially when they are receptive and want to learn. That makes a huge difference.”
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Speaking about the game in SA, she said, “Tennis went into a bit of a slump. People do not realize how many people are playing because they don’t get the publicity other sports get.
“If we could just develop young players and get them to a level where they can sustain tennis. What happens is many of them play as juniors, but once they turn 18, they don’t play anymore.”
They practice at Harmelia Tennis Club in Edenvale.
Barrett thanked fellow coaches José da Silva and Conrad Lunderstedt for their commitment to developing the next generation of tennis stars.
The academy hopes to expand its reach and impact by attracting more talented youngsters and providing them with the tools and guidance needed to succeed in the competitive tennis world.
