The juniors of the Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence played a tournament on June 16, at the Germiston Stadium.
The success of this competition has encouraged organisers to make it an annual event.
“There are 18 children in the academy, and we plan on recruiting more players; hopefully, by the end of the year, we will have doubled that number,” said the head coach at the school, Loyiso Matsha.
According to Matsha, this is an academy of all nations.
“The time has come to encourage greater participation in individual sports like tennis in South Africa,” he said.
Some of the club’s juniors will be playing in their first Tennis South Africa (TSA) sanctioned tournament, at the Benoni tennis headquarters, from July 13-17.
Matsha explained that it will be an experience building exercise for the youngsters, who will also have a lot to learn at the tournament.
“One player who shows tremendous talent is Jaydan Rooskrantz and, to enable him to effectively participate in 2015 tournaments, he will need financial assistance for, among other things, racquets, entry fees, accommodation and transport,” he said.
“This youngster has the potential to play in the Wimbledon Championships one day.”
To turn the club into Gauteng East’s first residential tennis academy, where juniors from all over Africa will be recruited to come and live while receiving academic and sport training, is one of Matsha’s goals.
“We also encourage good health habits and produce champions,” he added.
In other news, the club also has the “Adopt a Child” campaign, where a person can choose to sponsor a child to play in tournaments.
This campaign will formally start in December.
More players are welcome to come join the club.
For more information contact Matsha on 071 381 6226.
