Tennis coach back in the swing of things on Germiston courts
"I also have a book the History of South African Black Tennis." It is available from me.
The Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence coach Loyiso Mantsha returns to the tennis courts at the Germiston Stadium after four years.
It was like the start of a new season for this professional tennis coach, who opted to return to coaching last month.
After a four-year absence because of Covid-19, he stated the poor state of the tennis courts at the stadium prolonged his hiatus period.
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According to Matsha, the ball bounces ‘waya-waya’ because of the bad court flooring.
The demand for a tennis coach at the stadium has necessitated his comeback.
However, he says should the condition of the courts not improve, he will hang up his racquets forever – to the detriment of the game.
“Numerous calls to the City of Ekurhuleni about the maintenance of the tennis courts have fallen on deaf ears. The Ekurhuleni authorities turned a blind eye to the upkeep of the courts,” said Mantsha.
“During apartheid, Germiston Stadium used to have 4 tennis clubs and twenty-three tennis courts. Only eight tennis courts remained and they converted the rest to netball or basketball courts,” said Mantsha.
“A meeting with the MMC for facilities upkeep will make me happy, as the disgraceful state of the courts leaves a lot to be desired.
“I have only one pupil now. Our sessions depend on agreement between the parent and me, the coach.
“Those looking for a tennis coach can phone me on 071 381 6226,” he said.
Mantsha is also the author of the book History of South African Black Tennis.
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“It is available for purchase from me. I courier it to the customer.
“No one has ever written a book about South African Black Tennis. This is an attempt to inform the next generation about the sacrifices made by those before them to advance Black tennis.
“My résumé includes two SA U18 boys doubles tennis titles in 1976 and 1977. Winning the U18 boys singles title in 1978 was also a career highlight.
“Being named runner-up by Black South African sports journalists in the Citrus June Sportsman of the Month in South Africa in 1978, I visited the Weil Tennis Academy in the US in October 2013.
“The book includes information about past Black tennis champions; how they were marginalised, overcame segregation and how they performed despite adversity. T
he book suggests establishing a Hall of Fame for Black Tennis Champions and honouring former champions with Springbok and provincial colours.
Mantsha added there was also some discussion concerning wheelchair tennis.
