Project launched to assist tennis coaches

Since the lockdown started on March 26, tennis coaches and technical officials have been unable to work.
For tennis coaches, the schools or tennis venues are closed. For the technical officials, there are no Tennis South Africa tournaments being played, so no work available.

Also read: Schools pushed to contingency plans

However, coaches are confident that Tennis South Africa’s (TSA) proposal will get coaches going with private lessons soon, but there will be no tournaments for a while.
TSA has joined hands with former SA Davis Cup and Fed Cup captain, John-Laffnie de Jager, and the Caring Daisies charity to launch the Tennis Cares fundraising drive – a campaign aimed at supporting registered tennis coaches and technical officials that have been affected by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Ken Smith, president of Gauteng East Tennis Association, said: “On behalf of all our registered Gauteng East coaches and technical officials, we are thankful to TSA, John-Laffnie and Caring Daises for this fundraiser. I can confirm that the coaches and officials have not been earning any income due to the lockdown restrictions. They are desperately in need of some sort of assistance.”

Jose da Silva, a Tennis South Africa registered coach from Edenvale, said: “This is a great initiative.”

Dundee Radebe, a Tennis South Africa technical official, said he usually got money from tournaments he was assigned to work on. “Since the lockdown, I struggle to provide for my family and I welcome assistance of any means.”

Said De Jager: “As a tennis coach myself it is very hard to see and hear how some of my fellow coaches and tennis officials are struggling in these difficult times. I feel it is my duty to jump in and help make a difference.”

Richard Glover, CEO of Tennis South Africa said: “This is an unprecedented national crisis and we welcome the opportunity to stand together with JL and the Caring Daisies to support our tennis community. Simply put – without coaches and technical officials we do not have a sport.”

De Jager and TSA appeal to tennis supporters and players across the country to contribute towards providing relief for these critical members of the tennis community.

An independent panel will determine who receives support and funds will be distributed on a weekly basis through electronic food vouchers that can be used at the following retailers: Pick n Pay, Boxer, Shoprite Checkers, Usave, Clicks and Dischem.
Donations can be made through the Caring Daisies charity:
Account Holder: Caring Daisies
Bank Name: Rand Merchant Bank (First National Bank)
Branch code: 222026
Account no: 62321551906
Reference: Tennis Cares