Talented youngster excels in squash
Coaches and observers hail 15-year-old, Barberton-born Nothando Ntimane, currently in grade ten, as one of the country's most promising young squash players after recently being ranked number one in Northern Gauteng.
The results followed shortly after she had been awarded a scholarship by Menlo Park High School of Pretoria.
It includes full tuition, coaching, hostel fees, meals and training.
According to her father Patrick, Nothando was scouted by several educational institutions in Gauteng during last year’s interprovincial championship, but she opted for Menlo Park.
She has been trained by Liz McKenzie who has more than 30 years’ experience in coaching at the famed Tuks High Performance Training Camp.
In her short stint in Pretoria, Nothando has already shown a glimpse of her genius on the courts. She recently took part in the Northern Gauteng Squash Tournament where she won all six of her games convincingly and earned top spot in the u/16 category.
She is now setting her sights on the Bloemfontein Open from February 28 to March 2. This is one of the tournaments used by SA Schools Squash to select players to represent the country abroad.
“This event remains my goal this year so that I can make the team. I would like to thank Barberton Ford & Mazda as they contribute a lot towards my career in terms of sponsoring me,” said Nothando.
Meanwhile, Patrick Ntimane says there will be development clinics at Nelspruit Squash Courts this coming Saturday, February 22.
“The target groups are is boys and girls under the age of 12. Transport to and from Nelspruit will be provided free of charge, as will lunch and refreshments.”
Interested parties can contact him on 071-600-2368 or Vannesa Christensen on 082-901-6828.
