Beharie and Du Plessis win top gongs at GETA awards
Eli Beharie was the junior boys' player of the year and Nicola du Plessis won the girls' title. Stefan Kruger and Sofia Odgers grabbed the seniors' titles.
Kindness and consistent displays of sportsmanship matter more in tennis to Gauteng East Tennis Association’s (GETA) newly crowned boys’ junior sportsperson of the year, Eli Beharie.
Beharie received his award during the regional tennis body’s end-of-year prize-giving at the GETA complex in Lakefield on November 30.
Recalling a moment where he was kind to his opponent and showed good behaviour, Beharie said, “I played an interprovincial match against a guy named John de Villiers. We both showed good sportsmanship because when the ball went out, we asked for replays.”
Eli looks up to tennis legend Roger Federer because he does everything with precision and always shows good sportsmanship.
“I love the sport because it helps me realise that limits are meant to be broken and helps me to do my best,” he said.
Ryan Delaporte was named the most improved player while Ryan Collet received the most dedicated award.
Nicole du Plessis walked away with the junior girls’ player of the year award while Sarah Whitehead was named the most improved player. Daniela Munro is the most dedicated player.
“I feel very good after winning this award. It was a great year playing tennis here,” said Du Plessis.
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The youngster, who looks up to the men’s number one Jannik Sinner, said she loves the sport because “it’s very fun to play and helps her stay fit”.
Seniors
Stefan Kruger and Sofia Odgers walked away with the Gordon and Jill McQueen trophies after being named the boys’ and girls’ players of the year.
Kruger and Odgers missed the ceremony due to illness.
Tshepang Monama and Leanè Pienaar were the boys’ and girls’ most improved players while Jaco du Plessis and Nicola Munro were named the most dedicated players.
The interprovincial squad for both the seniors’ and juniors’ teams was announced during the ceremony. The tournament takes place from January 9 to 12, with the U13s and U15s in Bloemfontein and U19s in Pretoria.
The GETA junior tennis chairperson, Karen McRae, congratulated all the winners and the interprovincial team for a great season.
“Thanks to all the parents for their support and ensuring the children enjoy the sport, and learning lots of discipline. We hope next year, we’ll get the wonderful support that we got this year,” she said.
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