For over three decades, Kobri du Preez has been a fixture on the South African tennis scene, combining his love for the game with a deep commitment to coaching and community development.
At 51, he remains one of Gauteng East’s most successful and respected players, continuing to hold the title of champion at Atlasville Tennis Club – a streak that stretches over 15 years.
His achievements, both on the court and off, highlight a career built not just on personal success, but on a dedication to fostering the next generation of tennis talent.
Du Preez’s tennis journey began in Springs, where he grew up in close proximity to a tennis court.
“Surrounded by the sport from an early age, I was introduced to the game by my father at five years old. By eight, I had my first formal lessons, and it wasn’t long before I began competing at the provincial level.”
His early success led him to represent both Mpumalanga and Gauteng East at the prestigious SA Schools Tennis Tournament, a platform that marked the beginning of his competitive career.
In pursuit of further development, Du Preez was awarded a tennis scholarship to the University of Missouri–Kansas City in the United States, where he played at a collegiate level.
“This experience provided invaluable exposure to international competition and refined my skills. Upon returning to South Africa, I completed my studies at the University of Pretoria, where I played for the university’s first tennis team for four years, continuing to build my reputation as one of the country’s top young players.”
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He said following his playing career, he transitioned into coaching, passing his Provisional Tennis Coaching Exams in the late 1990s.
“By 1997, I was coaching full-time, and my impact on the sport has been profound. I spent the last 28 years shaping the careers of young players, emphasising not only the technical aspects of the game but also the mental and emotional fortitude required to succeed.”
Today, Du Preez is regarded as one of Gauteng East’s top coaches, and his success as a player continues.
“I have won the TSA Gauteng East Open Tournament in my age group several times in recent years.
“My long-standing dominance in club championships, particularly at Atlasville Tennis Club, where I have been crowned champion since 2009, has solidified my reputation as a player of exceptional skill and consistency.”
Du Preez said tennis is a game that demands everything from you. It’s not just about the physical side of the game; it’s a mental battle. It’s a one-on-one contest, like a chess game, where every move counts.
“You need patience, focus and resilience, qualities that go beyond just winning matches.”
Despite his success, Du Preez is equally concerned about the future of tennis in South Africa. He believes the sport needs to do more to support young players who don’t make it to the professional ranks.
“There are too many talented players who drop out of the sport after they don’t reach their professional goals.
“Tennis offers so much more than just competition. It’s a sport that can provide lifelong friendships and a community. We need to do more to promote the social aspects of tennis and make sure kids realise that the game doesn’t end when the tournaments are over.”
For coaching inquiries or more information on upcoming tennis programmes, Kobri du Preez can be reached on 082 921 5022.
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