Tennis skills honed
“All top players have these in common. We also help our players with schoolwork to create a balance between sport and education. That is why all our juniors excel in both tennis and academic work,” said the coach.
Playing a sport is a great way for children to take a break from academics, but how do the two complement each other?
Ekurhuleni Tennis School of Excellence (ETSOE) believes in the importance of learners being active.
Head coach Loyiso Matsha said sport is helpful as it teaches values which are useful in academics, like discipline, hard work, sportsmanship, punctuality and persistence.
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Matsha was a SA u-18 boys’ doubles champion in 1976 and 1977.
“In 1978 I was the South African u-18 boys’ singles champion,” he said.
“It is hard work to achieve success. We have three programmes in our coaching, which include teaching the basics, coaching for provincial colours and then training to meet national standards.”
Siblings Unathi and Minenhle Mdlongwa train at the tennis school.
Their father, Mcebisi Mdlongwa, said he hopes the siblings make provincials and eventually nationals, with the main goal of obtaining scholarships in the US or Europe.
“My aspirations for them as women tennis players would be to represent SA,” said their father.
“Physical training is encouraged, especially for children at a younger age as it helps build their physical and mental wellness,” said their mother Thenjiwe.
Matsha is planning to start wheelchair tennis at Germiston Stadium in September.
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