Like father like daughter
Yet another offspring of the legendary Patrick Ntimane is gradually making a name for herself in local squash.
Ayanda Ntimane (9) was recently drafted into the Mpumalanga girls u/13 team that participated in the South African Country Schools Squash Festival. The tournament was held in Bloemfontein and involved neighbouring countries like Zimbabwe and Namibia.
Ayanda follows in the footsteps of her father, Patrick and older sister Nothando (15), who earlier this year was awarded a fully paid scholarship by Menlo Park High School, Pretoria.
Another Barbertonian-based young promising squash player is Skye Munro (12). She was also part of the Mpumalanga u/13 team in Bloemfontein.
Ayanda’s father, Patrick, who is a coordinator of squash development, has high praises for Barberton’s two most promising young squash players. “Both Ayanda and Skye started to play squash last year. In a short space of time, they have managed to don provincial colours and compete in various events. These include the Mpumalanga Squash Championships in Witbank on January 24 to 26 and the SA Country Schools Squash Festival on May 1 to 4,” said Patrick.
During the festival in Bloemfontein, Skye was selected for the South African Country Team, which will compete in the South African Interprovincial Tournament in Port Elizabeth in June.
“This is a great achievement for Skye since she only started playing squash in 2013. She was introduced to the game by her father, James Munro. Interestingly, Skye is not only a squash player but also a national swimmer of note, who finished third during the SA Nationals in Polokwane a few months ago,” said Patrick.
Aspiring young squash players frequently meet at De Kaap Squash Club every Saturday morning for junior development clinics. During the sessions, kids are introduced to the sport while current young players are assisted to improve their skills.
Patrick invites all interested in this highly energetic sport to contact him on 013-766 -6135 or 071-600-2368.
