Tatenda Mutetwa earns life-changing tennis scholarship

Hoërskool Marais Viljoen High School Alumni Tatenda Mutetwa left South Africa in his matric year to pursue his tennis dream in America.

On December 29, 2021, Tatenda received life-changing news. He received a four-year bursary from Lewis University in Chicago to represent the school in tennis.

“I was ecstatic,” said Tatenda when asked about his feelings when he received the news.

“It is something you dream of that comes true. Amazingly, someone wants to invest in you for your skill.”

For Tatenda this is the culmination of many years of hard work. “It was years of blood, sweat and unseen tears that went into this.”

He said that it feels great because his hard work is recognised.

Tatenda officially signed his contract on January 11 and will start his first season and academic term at the school in August.

In the meantime, Tatenda will remain in America and train at the LAT Tennis Academy in Florida.

“I’ve been honing my skills in Florida and I am truly grateful for the opportunity my team here has granted me,” said Tatenda.

Currently recovering from an injury, his immediate goal is to get better and play as much as he can ahead of the coming university season.

As a South African representing the country abroad Tatenda said it is of great pride to him to be a flag bearer for the country. “I am one of the few who can represent in tennis,” said Tatenda.

“It shows that even though difficult it can be done.”

For aspiring sportsmen and women Tatenda has the following advice. “Put your head down, keep it down, be humble and always keep on working,” he said.

The two most important factors in success according to him is consistency and perseverance.

“Things may change. Your body might get stronger, conditions might change but your commitment and perseverance will never change.”